Bodies of Delportshoop drowning victims retrieved

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

KIMBERLEY – Delportshoop police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14, respectively.

It is believed that the boys attempted to swim in the Hartsrivier in Delportshoop. They have reportedly disappeared under the water at about 16:00 on Wednesday,  26 March 2025, and failed to resurface.

A community member reported the incident to the police,  who were dispatched to the scene where a search of the area was conducted.

The search operation was hampered due to inclement weather conditions.

Delportshoop SAPS, together with the Northern Cape and North West Search and Rescue Units, worked tirelessly in precarious conditions to recover the bodies of the boys.

On Friday, 28 March 2025, at approximately 10:00, one body was retrieved, and at about 10:45, the second body was retrieved.

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended the teams for their courageous efforts and expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families.

The SAPS have once again reminded communities to observe and  exercise extreme caution around water sources and to prioritize safety at all times.

During the school holidays, parents are urged to know the whereabouts of children at all times.

Ends

Enquiries:
Colonel Cherelle Ehlers
082 448 5179

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceService

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapoliceservice_za/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAPoliceService

Website: www.saps.gov.za