A body, believed to be that of missing Yusuf Kiriboto, has been found floating in a canal in Hazeldene, Bokmakierie on Tuesday.
This comes a day after the body of a girl was found floating in the Liesbeek River under the M5 bridge.
The family of Abieda Paulse have since confirmed that the body found in the Liesbeek River on Monday, was that of their missing eight-year-old.
Abieda has swept away after she fell into the fast flowing canal in Athlone two weeks ago.
Yusuf jumped into the swollen canal trying to save the young girl, but he was also swept away.
Yusuf's body found in river. Picture: Velani Ludidi
Yusuf's niece, Gegeibu Omari arrived at the scene on Tuesday and confirmed that the second body found was her uncle’s.
"I noticed the clothes he is wearing that it’s him," said a heartseer Gegeibu. I stay with him and he used to sleep next to me. I know him very well. I am heartbroken but this will bring us closure as we have been worried ever since he went missing."
Yusuf's relatives break down after arriving on the scene. Video: Velani Ludidi
Meanwhile, Abieda's great aunt Fatiyah Paulse said they were able to identify the body found on Monday.
"Her mother went to identity the body and it is her (Abieda). We would like to thank everyone who supported us during this difficult time. Abieda's mother, unfortunately, cannot speak to the media this time."
Neighbours gathered at Abieda's home and described her as a child who was full of life. A teddy bear which she liked dressing was placed on the sofa by the neighbors who knew her.
Divers removing the body found in a canal in Hazeldene, Bokmakierie, Athlone. Video: Velani Ludidi
*This is a developing story.
