Johannesburg – South African rescue teams have joined a cross border search operation in Mozambique after Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality confirmed that its MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, went missing during severe flooding in the southern Mozambican town of Chokwé.
According to a report by The Citizen, the vehicle in which Mngwevu was travelling was swept away by fast moving floodwaters while he was part of an official delegation visiting Mozambique. The incident occurred as heavy rains battered large parts of the region, triggering flash floods and widespread destruction.
The City said the exact point at which Mngwevu went missing remains unclear. What is known is that the vehicle carrying five people was caught in rising waters and carried away.
“A South African Rescue Mission deployed to Mozambique has established contact with one of the five individuals who were travelling in the vehicle at the time it was swept away. The status and whereabouts of MMC Mngwevu and the other occupants remain unconfirmed at this stage.”
The municipality said search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with South African teams working closely with Mozambican authorities and local emergency services in the affected areas.
“The Office of the Executive Mayor, working with the national government, has facilitated support to MMC Mngwevu’s spouse, who arrived in Mozambique last night.
“National authorities are also exploring additional support mechanisms, including security and evacuation assistance, as further information becomes available,” the City said.
Ekurhuleni added that it remains in close contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and other national structures as verification and search efforts continue.
“Further updates will be communicated through official city channels as soon as confirmed information is received.”
The municipality also appealed for restraint as the operation continues.
“The City respectfully appeals to the public and the media to afford the Mngwevu family privacy and space, and to refrain from speculation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances.”
The flooding in southern Mozambique forms part of a wider weather system that has affected north eastern South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Eswatini, following several days of intense rainfall. According to The Citizen, the floods have devastated parts of the Kruger National Park and claimed several lives in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
On Saturday, South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said the damage to the Kruger National Park had been “substantial and will require a lot of money to repair the reserve.” He said park management is already working on a plan to approach the repairs.
Discussion about this post