Mdantsane police have opened an inquest docket after the body of toddler was found floating in a dam in Eluxolweni township in Newlands on Sunday.
Police divers were called to retrieve him. East London police’s K9 search and rescue and police divers responded.
Oyema’s aunt, Nosiphiwo Nomfe, took the Daily Dispatch team to the dam, situated in the middle of the village about a kilometre from their home.
The dam has no easy access to the public and is surrounded by thorny bushes.
“The dam where he was found is far from the house and it’s in the middle of the village where there are bushes all around it. You hardly see animals or pigs drinking in this water,” said Nomfe.
The child’s mother has demanded that authorities close the dam with immediate effect.
“I am calling for the people who are in charge to close this dam now before another life is taken.
“Parents are not happy with this as this is dangerous to many people, especially children like my son.
“My three-year-old son could not swim, but there’s no way that he could have played near a dam if it had been further from his home,” she said.
Oyema will be buried tomorrow.
“People who can assist me towards the burial of my child are welcome to contribute,” said Mbube. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za