Search ends in sorrow as bodies of two Delportshoop teens pulled from river

RESCUE units worked tirelessly in precarious conditions to recover the bodies of two Delportshoop teenagers who drowned in the Harts River this week, bringing a tragic end to a desperate two-day search.

The boys, aged 13 and 14, were last seen on Wednesday afternoon, March 26, when they reportedly entered the river to swim. They disappeared beneath the surface at around 4pm and never came back up, prompting concern from the community and an urgent response from the police.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said that the Delportshoop SAPS, assisted by specialised Search and Rescue units from both the Northern Cape and North West provinces, launched a recovery operation under challenging circumstances. Inclement weather and poor visibility hampered their efforts, but the teams pressed on.

On Friday morning, March 28, their hard work paid off in the most tragic way. The first body was recovered at around 10am, with the second found roughly 45 minutes later - bringing a heart-wrenching end to a search that many had hoped would yield a miracle.

Colonel Ehlers said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drownings is under way. 

The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised the rescue teams for their unwavering efforts under difficult conditions and extended her heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.

The SAPS have once again urged communities to remain vigilant around rivers, dams, and other water sources, emphasising the importance of putting safety first at all times.