The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday when a makeshift boat attempted to ferry 20 people across the Vaal River from Vaallus Farm to Olierivier Farm. During the ferry, it was reported that several occupants fell into the water.

A total of 14 occupants survived, while search and rescue operations continued to search for people who remained unaccounted for. Three bodies have thus far been recovered.

All survivors were treated and later discharged from a hospital in Douglas.

“The search for the missing person remains ongoing,” said Northern Cape police spokesperson WO Molefi Shemane. “All available resources have been deployed in support of the police in efforts to find the person presumed to have drowned in the Vaal River.

“Three bodies were pulled from the Vaal River near Douglas on Friday. The deceased are two women, aged 35 and 40, and a man, 55.”

Safety tips on crossing rivers:

• Passengers must always wear life jackets on the boat, even if it is only a short distance.
• Drownings can be prevented if the right equipment is used.
• River crossings should only be done at designated, safe points where conditions are monitored and regulated. Strong currents can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
• People should avoid using unsafe or unapproved boats, especially temporary vessels that are not properly equipped or certified to carry passengers.
• Passengers should also not stand or move around in a boat unnecessarily.
• Communities are encouraged to report unsafe transportation practices on rivers to local authorities to help prevent similar tragedies.
• Do not allow too many people on the boat to prevent it from capsizing.

Meanwhile, Free State police have launched an investigation after the body of an unidentified man was discovered in Phuthaditjhaba.

A decomposed body of a man was found in the Namahadi River near Clubview in Phuthaditjhaba on Thursday. Police said officers received a report from a community member who noticed a body floating on the surface of the river.

“The deceased had been wrapped in a blanket and tied to a stone with wire,” said Free State police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring. “The body was in an advanced state of decomposition, making it impossible at this stage to determine whether there were any visible injuries.

“Police have opened a murder case and are working to establish both the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding his death.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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