Dive teams attended several critical drowning scenes in the Free State from October 18 to 22.
Free State Police are investigating a drowning incident after a body was recovered from the Heidedal Quarry on Thursday, following a week-long search operation.
Initially reported as a possible drowning, the incident occurred on October 16 around 3 p.m.
Swimming becomes tragic
The 20-year-old man was with two companions who reportedly went to the quarry to swim.
He was seen jumping into the water and was quickly overwhelmed before drowning.
South African Police Service (Saps) provincial spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said a search team conducted an initial inspection dive on the same day the incident occurred and the following day without success.
“On October 23, 2025, one of the special diving operations resulted in the successful recovery of the body approximately 60 to 70 meters away from the original search area,” Kareli said in a statement on Friday.
The search and rescue team – which also included the Bloemfontein and Welcome diving units – used private security drones to scout the area.
They were also assisted by the Heidedal Neighborhood Watch.
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More bodies were recovered the same day
Kareli said divers were caring for others recovery of the body on the same day.
This includes the body of a female seen floating in a spring in Kagisanong, another in the Caledon River in Ficksburg and further afield in Villiers.
“A dedicated search and rescue dog handler was present daily in Heidedal and simultaneously deployed to other operations in Ficksburg, Virginia and Welcome,” Kareli said.
Drowning incidents in the Free State
“From October 18 to 22, dive teams were required to attend other critical drowning scenes in the Free State, including Bothaville, where one victim was seen floating and successfully recovered.”
A male body was also seen floating in Ficksburg and was successfully recovered, the spokesperson said.
However, in Virginia, the team was unable to find the body and will visit the site again.
“The Saps continue to urge the community not to swim in the quarry as it is dangerously deep and has been the site of several tragic deaths,” Kareli said.
Investigation files have been opened for all drowning incidents.
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Lesego Seokwang
www.citizen.co.za