KARIEGA – SAPS divers in Gqeberha retrieved the bodies of two boys from the Swartkops River this morning, Tuesday, 22 February 2022, after they drowned while swimming on Sunday afternoon, 20 February 2022.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 20 February 2022, a group of six boys went swimming in the Swartkops River close to Taylor Street in Kariega.  The group attempted to swim across the river when two of the children allegedly got tired while they were in the middle of the river.  One of the friends returned to help them get across and while assisting, both boys went under water and disappeared.  The group left the river and only after the parents started enquiring about the whereabouts of the two missing children, were they informed by the other children as to what had happened.

At about 10:00 this morning, the bodies of Jerome Cowie (11) and Corné Boesak (12) were recovered.  An inquest docket has been opened for investigation.

Police are urging parents to ensure that there are always adult supervision at all times when children go to rivers to swim.

Source: South African Police Service