The heroic efforts of a 14-year-old boy attempting to save his schoolmate from drowning after been swept off a low-level bridge in Darnall ended tragically when he lost his own life during the rescue attempt on Tuesday afternoon.

Both boys from Hulsug Primary School in Darnall were on their way home from school when the tragedy unfolded.

Rescue operations to recover the older child’s body only began early this morning as local authorities did not know the boy was missing until yesterday afternoon when his mother filed a missing persons report at the local police station.

The grade seven pupil reportedly attempted to save grade one pupil, Bandile Makhoba (7), who was swept off the low-level Soweto bridge into the flooded river.

Heavy downpours from Sunday caused the river to rise dramatically.

The body of the seven-year-old was recovered yesterday afternoon.

An extensive search of the Nonoti River was conducted by multiple joint rescue teams consisting of National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Umhlali K9, IPPS Medical Rescue and KwaDukuza Lifeguards, and Bandile’s body was recovered about one kilometre from the point where he went missing.

Rescue worker are currently searching for the body of the older boy but their efforts could be hampered as heavy rainfall, leading to localised flooding, is anticipated for today and Friday.

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