SANDF member dead and one missing after being swept away by flooded river

Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members were swept away while on patrol during Operation Corona after a military vehicle attempted to cross a flooded river in Macadamia, Mpumalanga.

The incident took place on Thursday as heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding in the area.

According to the SANDF, the vehicle, which was transporting Military Police personnel, was overwhelmed by a strong current while crossing the river.

The body of one soldier has since been recovered, while the second member is still missing.

Search and rescue operations remain underway, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team leading efforts, supported by an SANDF Oryx helicopter.

Authorities said every effort was being made to locate the missing soldier as swiftly as possible.

The SANDF urged the media to allow rescue operations to proceed uninterrupted and to give space for the affected families to be notified and supported.

“As the operation remains ongoing, the media is respectfully requested to provide space to allow search and rescue efforts to continue and to enable the families to be duly informed and supported,” the SANDF said.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, her deputies, the Secretary for Defence and SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya extended their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased soldier.