Cops retrieve bodies from Cornelius river in Warden

Two bodies of a 25-year-old father and his 3-year-old son were retrieved by police divers in Cornelius river in Warden on Sunday, July 3.

It is believed that, a heated argument ensued between the ex-husband and the mother of the child, where the deceased allegedly tried to strangle a 20-year-old Sesi Radebe, but his attempts failed and he opted to take his own life and of their toddler.

Police spokesperson officer Mmako Mophiring, said the deceased, Bafana Radebe made two attempts to strangle his fiancée, but never succeeded.

“The first time he tried to strangle his wife at their home, but the mother managed to escape with the son.

“He wanted to strangle her because Sesi wanted to report him for alleged argument,” says Mophiring.

“She started walking to police station in Warden to report him but he followed them. He finally caught them between Cornelius river before crossing over the bridge.

“He again tried to strangle her and throw her inside the river but failed as she managed to escape, left him with the son,” adds Mophiring.

Mophiring further said one of the residents saw Bafana throwing the son into the river, before he could also jump into the river.

Mophiring says, two lifeless bodies were retrieved by the Welkom Diving Unit in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“Two bodies were then confirmed by families, and an inquest for the case of murder was registered,” she said.

Free State provincial commissioner, general Baile Motswenyane, urged women who are currently going through any form of abuse to speak up and to break their silence.

“I want to thank Free State police search and rescue and diving unit for not tiring in bringing the service to our community under this challenging and cold weather conditions,” said Motswenyane.