The body of a 45-year-old woman, Esther Mathenjwa, who went missing in Msholozi, near Mbombela in Mpumalanga, has been recovered after days of search efforts. Mathenjwa was swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross an overflowing stream on Wednesday night.
This tragic incident occurred in the same area where a two-year-old toddler, Sibusiso Mnisi, drowned earlier this week. The toddler’s mother, Thapiseng Mnisi, had left him asleep in their home to fetch some items from a nearby shop, but he followed her and was swept away by the current.
Authorities Urge Caution
Authorities have renewed warnings to the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams, and submerged bridges, as persistent heavy rainfall continues to pose serious risks across the province. “We understand that due to heat conditions during this season, people often seek relief in rivers, dams, and lakes, but it is crucial to remain extremely cautious and prioritize safety,” said Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 warning for disruptive rainfall resulting in widespread flooding of roads and settlements, widespread mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion, danger to life due to fast-flowing streams, and widespread damage to property, building, and loss of livelihood and livestock.
Kruger National Park Evacuation
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has commended the swift actions taken by South African National Parks (SANParks) to ensure the safety of guests and staff at Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo amid flooding. Several roads, camps, and gates have been closed due to severe flooding, and visitors in affected areas have been evacuated as a precaution.
Rainfall Forecast
According to the SAWS, heavy rainfall is expected to persist for the next two days over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga due to a tropical weather system. Weather models indicate another 100-200mm accumulated rainfall over the next two days, in regions that are already saturated with overflowing rivers and dams.
As for when the rain is expected to stop in Mpumalanga, the SAWS forecasts indicate that the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo Valley, and most eastern parts of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms until at least Wednesday, or even beyond.
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