Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says six children and one adult - who was the driver of the vehicle -  drowned after a car they were travelling in was swept into the river at the Somerset East farm. There were seven children between the ages of 4 to 13 years and three adults in this car. 

A 7-year-old child is still missing while two adults, who were also in the car, managed to get out of the sinking vehicle and survived. 

Makhele says the police divers are still at the scene searching for the body of the 7-year-old Karabo Kok.

"The police in Steynsrus are investigating the case. It is alleged that on Sunday 7 February 2021 at about 10:52 the police in Steynsrus received a complaint about a white Honda Ballade that has been swept away into the river at the Somerset East farm.

The driver drowned after he was trying to save the kids who were trapped inside the vehicle. "After managing to get out of the sinking vehicle the driver is said to have gone back into the water to try and save the children from drowning and was also swept away by the water," Makhele adds.

Meanwhile, the provincial Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, says: “It is so heartbreaking for any parent to lose a child in this manner. Our condolences go to all these families who were affected by this tragedy.”

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