A two-year-old girl lost her life last Wednesday in Tamboville, Ekurhuleni, after falling into a bucket of water her mother was using for laundry.

An article published by Benoni City Times states that, according to the police, the toddler was playing in the yard while her 43-year-old mother was busy with laundry.

In an unguarded moment, when the mother went into the house to prepare food, the child fell into the bucket.

SAPS Ekurhuleni District communication officer Captain Nelda Sekgobela explains that the mother called the child, but she didn’t respond.

When she went outside, she found her child drowning, face down in the water.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but efforts to save the child were unsuccessful.

A neighbour says a government ambulance was called but never arrived. As a result, they decided to call a private ambulance.

Community leader Victor Khoza says they are saddened and shocked by what happened.

“Not long ago, in June last year, two siblings, aged three and four, in the area were burnt alive in a shack fire. Now, we are facing another tragic incident involving children.”

He urges parents to ensure their children are safe and always under supervision.

Actonville police have opened an inquest docket.

The Benoni City Times visited the family home last Friday, but the family was not available