The Masemola police in the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo have opened two inquest dockets after two boys drowned in the Ngwaritsi River on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says three boys, aged nine to 14, were walking towards the river to go fishing.

“Reports suggest the youngest boy insisted on going home but the oldest boy insisted on getting fish. The 14-year-old got into the water, struggled to swim and drowned,” he adds.

One of the remaining boys tried to assist but also drowned.

“The third boy was stopped from entering the river by a screaming woman who was bathing nearby. The community responded and eventually managed to retrieve the two floating bodies from the river,” Ledwaba says.

The victims were certified dead on the scene by emergency services and the circumstances surrounding the drownings will form part of an investigation.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the boys’ cause of death.

“Parents and guardians are advised not to leave their children swimming unsupervised,” says Ledwaba.