Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services recovered the bodies of two men following separate drowning incidents in Bekkersdal and Kliptown last week.

Divers from Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to the two separate scenes in Westonaria and Soweto on August 25 and August 27.

The first incident occurred at about 16:00 on August 25 at the corner of Matsise Street, near Mandela Section in Bekkersdal.

According to Gauteng Police media liaison officer Sergeant Raymond Sambo, divers arrived at the scene, where they found the body of an unidentified man in a stormwater system.

The body was retrieved and handed over to members of the Bekkersdal police for further investigation. An inquest docket was subsequently opened.

Two days later, at about 15:00, members of the Johannesburg Water Policing and Diving Services were deployed to another drowning scene in Kliptown, near Devland.

Police said the body of a man, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, was recovered from the Dumping Site dam.

Divers used a Stokes basket to retrieve the body, which was then handed over to members of the Kliptown police. An inquest docket was also opened in connection with the incident.

Police have urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when near open water to prevent further loss of life.

Anyone entering dams, rivers or other bodies of water for any activity is advised to wear a life jacket. Parents and guardians are also urged to educate children about the dangers associated with open water and ensure that young children are supervised at all times.

Anyone who witnessed either incident or has information that could assist the police investigation is urged to contact the relevant police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.