By Teboho Moloi
HEIDEDAL – The police in the Free State have confirmed the recovery of the body of twenty-year-old Benjamin van Wyk from a quarry in Heidedal on Thursday, 23 October 2025, following a week-long search operation.
Van Wyk was reported to have drowned on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at around 15:00 while swimming with friends.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said the initial dive operation began on the same day in the area indicated by witnesses, but divers were unable to locate the body.
“The body was eventually found about 60 to 70 metres away from the suspected drowning spot,” Kareli said.
He added that from 18 to 22 October, the dive team had to attend to other drowning incidents in Bothaville, Ficksburg, and Virginia, which temporarily delayed the search.
“Searches at the Heidedal quarry continued, assisted by private security and the Heidedal Neighbourhood Watch. Drones were also used to scan the area,” he said.
Kareli commended the dedication of the search and rescue dog handler who attended the Heidedal scene daily despite being deployed to other operations.
Police have once again urged the community to avoid swimming in the quarry, warning that it is extremely deep and has claimed multiple lives in the past.
“Inquest dockets have been opened and investigations are underway for all recent drowning incidents,” Kareli said.
