The body of a three-year-old girl was recovered from the Cicirha river in Mthatha on Saturday after she fell off a log and drowned, Eastern Cape police said.

"She was walking on a log trying to cross the river with three other children on Friday. She slipped and was washed away," Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela said.

Fatyela said another three-year-old who also slipped and fell into the river was rescued by an eight-year-old who was accompanying them.

"But, it was too late for the other three-year-old. The child who was rescued has been taken to the Nelson Mandela hospital for treatment."

Fatyela cautioned the local community to be careful when crossing the river especially when there has been heavy rains. - Sapa