11 Feb 2020

The bodies of two children, aged six and nine, who drowned while attempting to cross Sampopela River in Mmadinare were recovered today by a combined search party of Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force and community members.

 Selebi Phikwe Police station commander Superintendent Meshack Pulenyane said in an interview that the bodies were found early this morning as the team combed the banks of Sampopela River, a tributary of Motloutse River. 

He said the children met their fate on their way home from Kelele Primary School after Monday’s (February 10) heavy downpours.

Superintendent Pulenyane said attempts to rescue the children on Monday  proved futile as the river was overflowing forcing the community to seek help from the police and other stakeholders.

A search party dispatched on Monday afternoon did not find the children.

The uncle to one of the children, Mr Badiri Badiri, said his attempts to rescue his niece failed due to the strong water current.

He said he could only watch helplessly as the currents swept the child away.

Kgosi Maureen Mphoen noted that Mmadinare village had many rivers which posed a serious risk to the community on rainy days.

He urged community members  to take care of their children and ensure their safety at all times. Ends