KIDS DROWN IN JIM SE BOS - Schaapkraal rocked after two boys, aged nine and 12, die in dam

THE community of Schaapkraal is mourning the tragic deaths of two boys aged nine and 12, after they apparently drowned in a dam at an informal settlement on Sunday.

Police have since opened an inquest docket for an investigation, and a post-mortem is expected to be conducted to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, community leaders are calling for more facilities to be made available for children and residents.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said their SAPS Western Cape Water Policing and Diving Services retrieved the bodies from the murky water. 

Videos of the scene of the tragedy went viral on social media, showing shocked residents surrounding the dam in Jim se Bos informal settlement.

Van Wyk explained: “Philippi police registered an inquest following the drowning of two boys aged nine and 12 on February 8 at 12:30 pm at a dam in Jim se Bos informal settlement, Olieboom Road, Philippi.

“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Their bodies were retrieved by SAPS Western Cape Water Policing and Diving Services.”

Redaa Ameeroedien of the Schaapkraal Safety Forum said the tragic incident highlighted the need for more public facilities.

Ameeroedien said: “I dispatched the call, and within ten minutes, the Fire and Rescue teams and police arrived. 

“Unfortunately, the children passed away. Children have been swimming in these dams for years, which are for farming, and the water has its dangers as you do not know what is beneath the surface.

"There are no facilities for these children and their families. This is once again a signal for more facilities to be built.”

Ward councillor Elton Jansen said he would be visiting the boys’ families soon to offer his assistance. 

He added: “I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of the two boys who tragically lost their lives yesterday. 

“I do not have much information yet, but I will visit the families later today in Jim se Bos to see how we can assist the bereaved families.”