By Teboho Moloi
LADYBRAND – Two Malawian nationals drowned after their canoe capsized while fishing at Aldenburg farm dam outside Ladybrand on Sunday, 6 September.
Their bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, 9 September, three days later.
The victims, aged 23 and 26, were reported missing after going fishing. They were from Potchefstroom and had travelled to the farm dam.
Free State police said the Search and Rescue and Diving Unit launched operations on Tuesday, 8 September, but poor conditions hampered the search.
“We resumed on Wednesday 09 September and at approximately 09:30, our divers entered the dam and successfully retrieved both bodies from a depth of approximately three metres,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring.
Police have opened an inquest docket to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities are yet to release the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.
