SAPS recovers bodies of drowning victims

Members of the SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services recovered the bodies of three suspected drowning victims between November 17 and 23.

According to Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) spokesperson, units were deployed to two incidents across the province.

“On November 19, officers attended a scene in Parktown,” he said.
“The body of an unknown man was removed from the golf course river, and investigations into the matter are underway.”

On the same day, units were again dispatched to Eldorado Park at the Klipriver in Olifantsvlei.
An 18-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were allegedly swept away during a baptism ceremony.
“The search was abandoned in the evening but was resumed early the next morning,” said Giblin.

Divers, K9 Search and Rescue and the EMS searched the point of entry along the 6km stretch of the river, but by November 22, the search had not yielded any success. However, later that afternoon, the body of a woman was found at the N1 north bridge.
“It was not immediately clear if it was indeed one of the baptism victims, but the matter was handed to the Eldorado Park SAPS,” he said.

Searches for the male victim continued with officers rowing 16km per canoe with the SAPS helicopter offering aerial assistance.
Due to a drop in water levels, the man’s body was recovered 2km upstream from where they found the woman’s body.
The public is again cautioned to remain vigilant when near open water.

“From the onset of summer, especially with the increase in heatwave conditions, our units have been deployed to several drowning incidents,” said Giblin.
“With many residents planning to spend the festive season and the December holidays along the banks of the province’s rivers and dams, we urge holiday-makers to remain safe and to practice water safety.”
Always wear a lifejacket when entering the water on vessels like boats.

Also Read: Water police concerned about increase in drownings