Four families in Cape Town, South Africa have been put in a gloomy state after a group of young boys fell into a hole and died.
According to preliminary investigations, the four kids, who were between the ages of 11-13 were playing on sand dunes near Borcherds Quarry along the N2 highway, when it caved in on them on Monday afternoon, February 8.
Police said that a five-year-old boy, who was with the children ran for help after they fell into the hole.
City of Cape Town City rescue teams and Metro emergency medical services responded to the incident.
After an extensive operation, the bodies of Axolile Mabangula, Ngabayethu Mlaza, Azola Quweni and Iva Kalikpou were recovered.
“An emergency call was received at 3.10pm about minors who fell into a hole near the N2/Borcherds Quarry intersection. Gugulethu and Mitchells Plain fire crews were dispatched to the scene,” said Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
“The officer informed the Control Centre that three minors fell into a hole. Technical rescue teams from Roeland Street and Metro EMS were dispatched. Just after 6pm the bodies of two minor boys were retrieved,” he added.
Community Policing Forum (CPF) provincial chairperson Fransina Lukas called on all parents to at all times know their children’s whereabouts and with who their children were with.
Lukas said the prolonged school holiday left many children idle with not much to occupy them constructively.
She also urged parents to prioritise the safety of children, especially during hot-summer days when children ventured into dams and beaches unaccompanied.
