ALLANRIDGE, FREE STATE – Allanridge police are investigating two inquest cases following the deaths of two boys, aged eight and nine, whose bodies were recovered from a rock dam near Shaft 2.

According to Sgt Palesa Thabana of the Lejweleputswa SAPS, police were first summoned to a possible drowning incident at about 13:30 on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

On arrival, officers were directed to the body of a nine-year-old boy floating in the water. His clothes were found on the bank.

The body was recovered and Thabo Diloko Jeremiah, 9, was declared deceased at the scene. He was subsequently identified by his next-of-kin.

Police investigate two inquest cases after bodies recovered from water near Shaft 2

Two days later, on Monday, 31 August, police received information after mine security was alerted to the body of another minor floating near the Shaft 2 rock dam at about 12:20.

The boy’s clothes were found approximately 45 metres from where the body was discovered.

Police divers were called to the scene and recovered the body from the dam. Lethabo Duncken Abraham, 8, who had reportedly been missing since the weekend, was declared deceased at the scene. His father identified the body.

Police have registered two separate inquest dockets as investigations continue.

According to information available to police, a group of children had been seen swimming in the Rock Dam before the two deaths.

Foundation raises concerns over mine dam

The deaths have also prompted concern from the Pule Maile Foundation, which said the boys had drowned in dams reportedly situated on land owned by Harmony Gold Mine near Nyakallong township.

The foundation said four boys, all aged between eight and nine, had left Nyakallong and crossed the road towards the Harmony Gold Mine area, where they reportedly entered an unattended and unfenced dam.

According to the foundation, Thabo drowned while the children were swimming.

A passer-by allegedly attempted to rescue him but was unable to reach the boy because the water was too deep. The other children reportedly returned home to raise the alarm, while the passer-by contacted police.

Police divers later recovered Thabo’s body.

The foundation said another boy, Lethabo, went missing during the incident.

Second boy reported missing

According to the foundation, Lethabo’s parents went to Allanridge Police Station on Sunday, 30 August, to report him missing.

The following day, the family was contacted after the body of an eight-year-old boy was recovered from a dam near the site where Thabo had drowned.

The body was identified as Lethabo.

The Pule Maile Foundation said it visited both families on 31 August and found them struggling to cope with the deaths.

The organisation said the families had received little or no support or counselling following the tragedy.

It further alleged that Harmony Gold Mine had not visited the families to offer condolences, moral support or other assistance.

The foundation is calling on government departments, community organisations and residents of Nyakallong and Allanridge to support the bereaved families.

It said the families had also asked it to obtain legal advice regarding possible accountability for the deaths.

“The foundation will allow the families to mourn their loved ones in peace and will thereafter fight for justice for Thabo Diloko and Lethabo Duncken,” the organisation said in a statement.

Warning over unattended water

The foundation has urged parents and community members to remain vigilant and ensure that children are kept away from dangerous and unattended bodies of water.

The police investigations remain ongoing, and the two inquest dockets will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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