A 65-year-old woman was tragically killed in a shark attack at Orient Beach in KuGompo City (formerly East London) on Tuesday.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said police were summoned to a scene at Orient Beach at around 7am.
“On their arrival they discovered the body of a 65-year-old woman with open wounds.”
Police said a case of inquest has been opened at KuGompo SAPS for further investigation.
The attack occurred while the victim was swimming with a group of open-water swimmers.
She sustained severe injuries to her right arm and leg.
Lifeguards quickly brought her ashore, where paramedics and onlookers administered emergency care, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Her identity is currently being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.
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Following the tragedy, the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality closed Orient Beach and Eastern Beach until further notice.
The municipality has issued a public warning urging all beachgoers to completely stay out of the water and exercise extreme caution.
Additional warnings have been activated at surrounding beaches, and the public is instructed to remain vigilant and strictly comply with all safety advisories from the relevant authorities.
