Bodies of three missing children found floating in river in South Africa

Bodies of three children who went missing in South Africa last week have been found floating in a river.

Brigadier Motlafela Mojape, the Police spokesperson, who confirmed the incident said the bodies of the children were found in the Mohlabetse River in the Dennilton policing area outside Groblersdal on Tuesday, September 7.

The children, Nonjabulo Ngomane, 9, and her younger brother, Themba Ngomane,8, as well as their 15-year old neighbour Katlego Sibande, left home at Phooko village in Dennilton within the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, on Monday morning, 30 August 2021, going to school and never returned home.

“Missing persons file was initially opened at Dennilton police station and the police immediately commenced with search operation, assisted by community members,” said Mojapelo.

“Preliminary police investigations indicated that the three might have been kidnapped as they were allegedly seen boarding a white Toyota Avanza. A case of kidnapping was then registered.

On Tuesday, 07 September 2021, a herdsman walking along the Mohlabetse River allegedly found the three bodies floating in the stagnant water of the said river and the police were called.

“On arrival at the scene, the three children, still clad in school uniforms, were found floating in the water and were retrieved by members of the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit. The deceased were identified by the two families. The post mortem will be conducted to determine how they died,” the spoksman added.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered prompt investigations into the circumstances that led to the deaths of the children.

Meanwhile, members of Phooko village have remained in shock since the discovery on Tuesday.

Seun Mogotji, a community leader, said the discovery must be a very traumatizing experience for everyone in the community and hoped the provincial government would help arrange counselling for the affected.

Mogotji also urged the community to work together with the police and come forward with any information that can assist in finding the perpetrators.

“We would like to send condolences to the families, friends, relatives and their fellow learners,” said Mogotji.