Mpumalanga police have told parents to warn their children about the dangers of playing in rivers following the drowning of two children whose bodies were recovered last week.

The bodies of Surprise Madonsela, 2, and Mthokozisi Mavimbela, 6, of Mzinti Trust near Malelane in Mpumalanga, were recovered in the Nkomazi River last Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Tonga police spokesman Constable Mzwandile Nyambi told Sowetan that some members of the community had continued to sleep next to the river with the hope of recovering the children's bodies since the search started.

"Nobody could have known where the children were following their disappearance on Monday last week. But luckily, their friends later informed elders that they had jumped into the water and never came back," said Nyambi.

"We suggest that parents should have serious talks with their children regarding the dangers of rivers. Parents should also be on the alert because children might sneak into rivers without them noticing," he added. - Masoka Dube