LIMPOPO – Two young girls, aged between eight and nine, tragically drowned in the Molomahlapi River at Butswana Village on Friday last week, in an incident that has shocked the local community.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the children were playing near the river when they were swept away and drowned.

The Mayor of Maruleng Local Municipality, Tsheko Musolwa, has expressed deep sadness over the loss and conveyed condolences to the affected families.

The municipality has thanked emergency services who worked into the evening during the search and recovery operation, as well as community members and the local ward councillor who assisted at the scene.

Mayor Musolwa said the incident highlights the dangers of unsupervised activities near rivers, ponds and other open bodies of water that are not designated for recreation. He urged parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution and ensure children are closely supervised.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and the broader community during this difficult time,” said Musolwa.