Floods claim another life

The body of a missing traffic department official in Mpumalanga was recovered, the department has said.

Israel Ndlovu was travelling with a civilian in a state vehicle when they were swept away by the Nkomazi River in Tonga today, spokesman Moeti Mmusi said.

“His body was recovered about two kilometres from the bridge, where the vehicle was swept away by the overflowing river,” said Mmusi.

The state vehicle was recovered on Thursday, while a search continued for the civilian.

Community safety MEC Vusi Shongwe has sent condolences to his family and the friends.

It was the third vehicle to be swept away by the river during the recent flood in the province. An ambulance with two paramedics inside, and a private car with two occupants, were among the vehicles swept away.

The paramedics were rescued by members of the police water wing while the other two occupants of the private vehicle were rescued by members of the SA National Defence Force.

The survivors had managed to hold onto trees on the side of the road until help was found.

- Sapa