A 10-year-old boy drowned at Acacia Park in Otjiwarongo on Friday while swimming with friends, the Namibian Police have reported.

Spokesperson of the Namibian Police Force in the Otjozondjupa Region, Inspector Maureen Mbeha told Nampa on Sunday the incident occurred around 16h00 at a pond behind Acacia Park.

It is alleged that the boy was swimming with four other friends when he drowned.

His body was retrieved around 17h45 by Otjiwarongo Municipality emergency officials.

The deceased has been identified as Paulo Simon Tulonga and his next of kin have been informed.

Mbeha called on parents around Otjiwarongo to monitor the movements of their children in order to avoid such incidents.

She said most river beds and ponds are flooded due to the recent rains the region received.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency