Two bodies were retrieved by police divers from separate drowning incidents in Bronkhorstspruit and Sedibeng on September 16.

Members of the Tshwane unit were deployed to the Honds River in Bronkhorstspruit at 12:15 on Wednesday, following reports of a drowning.

Bronkhorstspruit police are investigating after a suspect drowned while fleeing from a crowd following an alleged robbery.

“It is alleged that two suspects robbed members of the community of their cellphones at the Bronkhorstspruit taxi rank. Community members reportedly chased the suspects, during which one suspect attempted to evade them by crossing the river. The suspect allegedly became trapped in water hyacinth and drowned,” said Provincial Police Emergency Services spokesperson Warrant Officer Frans Spang.

After a 32-minute search, the dive team successfully recovered the body. The matter was then handed over to the Bronkhorstspruit SAPS for further investigation.

Sedibeng incident

While the Tshwane team was attending to the incident, members of the Sedibeng unit were notified of a separate incident at the Vaal River near the R59 bridge.

Upon arrival, team members found the body of an unidentified man floating face down in the water.

The dive team recovered the body and handed it over to the Viljoensdrift SAPS.

Inquest dockets have been opened, and investigations into both incidents are continuing.

Anyone with information that may assist in these investigations is urged to contact their relevant SAPS station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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