SEDIBENG.- An inquest is underway after an 11-year-old boy drowned at the Vaal Marina Waterfront on Saturday.

It is said that police were called to the scene after receiving a call of a drowning.

Upon arrival at the scene, the officers found five young men who were with the victim.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Police spokesperson, Constable Thabang Mothibe said that the friends came to the waterfront to play on the jungle machines and that they then decided to swim.

“The victim decided to go deeper into the river. They were in a chain form when he broke from the chain. The friends tried to assist him but they failed as the victim went deep into the river where he then drowned.”

The SAPS Water Wing was contacted and responded to the scene. A search operation was conducted, and the boy’s body was recovered approximately 25 metres into the river.

Pathology services and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were also contacted and attended the scene.

Police investigations continue.