The incident allegedly occurred on Thursday (16/10), when the victim and two companions went to the quarry to swim. The man (20) reportedly jumped into the water, was quickly overwhelmed, and drowned.

Heidedal police were called to the scene and summoned the Bloemfontein diving unit. An intensive search commenced around the area where the victim was last seen but had to be called off late in the evening due to poor light conditions, said Free State police spokesperson, Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli.

He said the search resumed the following day, Friday (17/10). The Welkom Diving Unit was also brought in to assist with the operation. Divers worked until approximately 12:00, at which point it was determined the body may have been carried by currents or rolled to a deeper section of the quarry, estimated to be about 50 meters down.

Kareli said the police are working in close collaboration with the private sector, and emergency services are utilising all available resources to recover his body. 

Police divers at a quarry behind Twin City Mall in Heidedal, Bloemfontein. Photo supplied 

This is to help bring closure to the family. Upon recovery of the body, post-mortem tests will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Police have urged the community to refrain from using the quarry for swimming. The water is known to be dangerously deep and poses a severe risk to life.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg