Two girls suspected to have drowned
News in short
Two girls, both aged 11, are suspected to have drowned after they allegedly went swimming with their friends without adult supervision at Henties Bay on Friday.
Head of police community affairs in the Erong Region, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, confirmed the incident, which happened between 14:00 and 15:00.
According to him, the missing girls - Hilia Rashmie and Mary-Anne Mimie Mbok - left their homes between 12:00 and 13:00 with their friends to go to the beach.
“It was further alleged that a strong wave swept them away while they were in the water with other kids. The rest of the kids managed to run out of the water, but the two girls struggled in vain,” he said.
“Members of the police in Henties Bay, plus the families and community members are busy searching in hopes of retrieving the missing children,” Shapumba added.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution at all times when on the beach.
“We sympathise with the family and the affected community of Henties Bay. We do not want to use what happened to make a point, but we call upon the communities to exercise caution at all times. We discourage swimming in the ocean, but if [they do, ]people should swim at designated places and under the supervision of lifeguards,” he said.
He further urged families and friends be on the lookout for one another while on the beach, adding that “people should not be allowed to swim after drinking”.
“We strongly urge that children only go to beach under the supervision of their parents.”
Police investigations continue
- Nikanor Nangolo
Head of police community affairs in the Erong Region, Inspector Ileni Shapumba, confirmed the incident, which happened between 14:00 and 15:00.
According to him, the missing girls - Hilia Rashmie and Mary-Anne Mimie Mbok - left their homes between 12:00 and 13:00 with their friends to go to the beach.
“It was further alleged that a strong wave swept them away while they were in the water with other kids. The rest of the kids managed to run out of the water, but the two girls struggled in vain,” he said.
“Members of the police in Henties Bay, plus the families and community members are busy searching in hopes of retrieving the missing children,” Shapumba added.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution at all times when on the beach.
“We sympathise with the family and the affected community of Henties Bay. We do not want to use what happened to make a point, but we call upon the communities to exercise caution at all times. We discourage swimming in the ocean, but if [they do, ]people should swim at designated places and under the supervision of lifeguards,” he said.
He further urged families and friends be on the lookout for one another while on the beach, adding that “people should not be allowed to swim after drinking”.
“We strongly urge that children only go to beach under the supervision of their parents.”
Police investigations continue
- Nikanor Nangolo
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