According to the provincial police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, two children and two adults have been reported to have drowned in Rosendal. However, only three bodies were recovered. One of the children is still missing.

It is alleged the two children and two adults drowned when the driver of the vehicle they were travelling in attempted to drive through a flooded road in Rosendal. 

Furthermore, in Oranjeville, the police recovered the body of a man who allegedly disappeared after drinking liquor. 

In Botshabelo, the body of a 34-year-old man was discovered at a river after he was reported missing.

The body of a 41-year-old man was found in Senekal at De Put River. 

In Bothaville, two bodies of persons aged 21 and 41 were found in the river. 

“As the police in the Free State province, we wish to urge communities staying near rivers or streams not to attempt crossing to the other side while under the influence of any substance or who are just tempted to take such risk. 

"We also advise churches to try and suspend any activities involving the use of rivers and dams as the level of water has increased, and the pressure of the flowing water is high during this raining season,” says Makhele.

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