LADYBRAND – The bodies of two Malawian nationals have been recovered from Aldenburg Farm Dam outside Ladybrand after the men allegedly drowned when their canoe capsized while they were fishing.

The victims, aged 23 and 26, were reportedly fishing on the dam on Sunday, 6 September, when the canoe overturned, causing both men to drown.

According to police, the two men were from Potchefstroom and had travelled to a farm in the Ladybrand area for a fishing trip.

The Free State Police Search, Rescue and Diving Unit conducted an initial search of the dam on Tuesday, 8 September, but the bodies could not be located.

The search resumed the following day at about 09:30. Police divers entered the dam and recovered both bodies from a depth of approximately three metres.

An inquest docket has been opened as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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