Two people have been confirmed dead after drowning in the Kenate River in South Sudan’s Torit State on Sunday.

Torit state police spokesman Mathew Ochan Jacob told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the two, a man and woman drowned on different occasions.

He said the 43-year-old man identified as Daniel Lotto Kidega tried to cross a broken bridge but accidentally fell into the river.

“He was trying to collect charcoal from across the river as you know our bridge has been washed by water. Only a small part has been left for people to use. In the process, his leg slipped and he fell in the river," he added.

While searching for the body of the man on Monday, Ochan said, they discovered the body of a woman believed to have also drowned.

"We also found a different body of a woman who died in the river. She is called Khamisa Kompeo from the Dinka tribe but married in Lotuko,” he said.

Ochan advised those who need to cross the river, to do so in large numbers.

Torit state director of Safety and Disaster Management Stephen Tete called on the residents to take precautionary measures to avoid similar cases.

“Awareness is needed to tell the people so that they know the dangers of this bridge. People should be vigilant informing the kids and adults to take care of themselves,” he added.