Eastern Cape couple ask for a bridge after their two children drowned trying to cross a river

Aqhamile Mmangweni, 2, died after drowning in the Mbhashe River. (Supplied)

Traumatised by the loss of their two children who died after drowning while crossing the Mbhashe River in the Eastern Cape, a young Mqanduli couple has appealed to authorities to construct a pedestrian bridge to prevent further loss of lives.

Thandisiwe Akholiwe Mmangweni-Mlungu, 28, was crossing the river on foot with her children Khayone, 6, and Aqhamile, 2, on 16 June. Aqhamile was on her mother’s back and Khayone on foot.

The three had almost finished crossing the river, which runs from Kwenxura Village in Mqanduli to Msikiti in Dutywa, when Khayone slipped through the river rocks and drowned.