Eastern Cape police are appealing to parents to be vigilant around their children at water sources following several drownings over the past few days.
At least four young children, aged between seven and 14, have drowned in dams and water canals in Mdantsane in East London, Mthatha, and Addo.
Eastern Cape police said that the bodies of two minor boys, aged nine and 13, were recovered in the Grinaker Dam in Unit 2 in Mdantsane on Friday.
"According to information, it is said that the boys were swimming in this dam when one of them got into difficulty and the other tried to help when they both drowned. The boys were without adult supervision during this incident," said police spokesperson, Captain Mluleki Mbi.
Meanwhile, the body of a 14-year-old youth was recovered by divers from Mthatha Dam.
"The body was removed by Mthatha K9 Rescue at about 17h00 on Friday. The SAPS discourages people from swimming at this dam as it is deep and no lifeguards deployed around it," said police spokesperson, Captain Dineo Koena.
Police said that the body of a seven-year-old girl was also recovered from a water canal in the Addo area on Friday.
"K9 Search and Rescue and Saps Divers continued the search for a 7yr old girl presumed to have drowned in the water canal at Addo. Warrant Officer Gerber and his K9 Misty searched the water downstream, while Dive Point members conducted a foot sweep search. The body of the little one was located about 5km from the scene," said Captain Gerda Swart.
SAPS dive coordinator, Captain Robin Steyn, says parents must be vigilant with their children at all times.
(Pic:Supplied)
