The bodies of seven people, six of whom were farm workers, were recovered from a river near Fouriesburg, Free State police said on Monday.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mmako Mophiring said police divers on Sunday recovered the bodies of the men from the Qothi River — about 6km outside Mashaeng near Fouriesburg.
Their vehicle had earlier been found in the river by a passer-by.
”It was alleged that the seven men from three farms in the Fouriesburg district were last seen on Saturday in Mashaeng township.”
Mophiring said the men apparently left the township at about 9.30pm on Saturday, heading back to the farm Hettlo for a stockvel meeting.
”Apparently, they drove on the gravel road to Hettlo and on the way their vehicle plunged into the river.”
Releasing their names, police said the driver was Mbotjhwa Tshabalala of Mashaeng. Dikotsi Radebe was from the farm Bellevue, Molahlehi Mofokeng, Koloi Mofokeng and Simon Mofokeng were from Kopie Alleen Farm while Teboho Maloka and Moeketsi Maloka were from the farm Hettlo.
They were all between 25 and 35 years old.
Mophiring said it was not known what had happened but the road they travelled had dangerous curves.
A truck driver, on his way to collect wood in the area, saw a bumper of a vehicle with its registration plate in the road.
Investigating further, he saw a vehicle in the river and called the police. – Sapa