The circumstances surrounding the death of 3-year-old Jayden Ewerts, after his body was recovered from a canal in Dysselsdorp, near Oudtshoorn, on Sunday, are currently the subject of a police investigation.
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It is believed that the little boy was playing with friends near the canal and was reported missing when he did not return home.
SAPS spokesperson Christopher Spies said police have opened an inquest docket into his death.
He explained that police were dispatched to the area at about 6:40pm on Sunday, 16 April, after the boy was reported missing.
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‘It is alleged that he was playing there earlier with friends,’ Spies confirmed.
‘A search for the missing child ensued and his body was later retrieved from the water at about 11:20pm the same day.’
Meanwhile, the community is planning to hold a wreath-laying ceremony where Jayden’s body was found, on Thursday.
Speaking to the Cape Times shortly after the body was recovered, community activist Leon Campher said three children had already drowned in the canal.
‘What is more tragic for the parents of Jayden is that a year ago they lost their 3-month-old child who died of natural causes,’ he told IOL.
‘Jayden’s body was found about 2km down the water canal.’
‘It is tragic that in the past months, children have drowned in the canal, three times in a row,’ Campher said.
‘My concern is that every time they open the canal, a child drowns.’
A 4-year-old boy named Christopher Solomons drowned after he fell into the canal in November, while the body of Rudicia Gelant (9), who is believed to have slipped and fallen in the canal while playing with friends, was recovered in May last year.
Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
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Picture: Unsplash