Police divers recovered the body of an 11-year-old boy from the Mlumati River near Schoemansdal after a search lasting into a second day.

By Tristan — Editor and Publisher, SA Business Lens | 18 October 2026

The boy had gone swimming with friends on Thursday, 15 October, when the incident occurred, according to a local report citing police.

Search continued the following morning

Members of the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit began searching the river at about 20:00 that evening.

Lieutenant Colonel Pottie Potgieter said the team could not locate the child during the initial search. Divers returned the following day and extended the search about 100 metres downstream.

The boy’s body was found trapped behind a rock on Friday, 16 October.

Circumstances remain unclear

Police had not established what caused the drowning when the recovery was reported. No further details about the child have been released.

The report did not indicate whether an inquest had been opened or whether the investigation had reached any conclusion. SA Business Lens will update this article if police release further verified information.

A difficult recovery operation

River searches can be particularly demanding because currents, submerged rocks and poor visibility may limit what rescue teams can see. In this case, the body was located only after the search moved farther downstream.

The incident is a reminder of the risks around rivers and other open water, particularly for children. Adults responsible for children should ensure close supervision near open water and check local conditions before anyone enters a river.

Source: Lowvelder, which attributed the recovery details to Lieutenant Colonel Pottie Potgieter. Published 18 October 2026.

KEEP READING