The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Diving Unit in Mpumalanga province says the search for a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) member remains challenging, as the river has once again burst its banks following heavy rainfall on Saturday night.
The search operation entered its third day on Saturday.
Rescue teams are continuing the operation by walking along the riverbanks, while drones have also been deployed to search sections of the Nkomazi River.
One body was recovered on Friday after a vehicle carrying two SANDF members was swept away at the lower bridge in Komatipoort.
SAPS Diving Unit member Johannes Potgieter said rising water levels and strong currents were hampering efforts.
“The problem we have now is that, as you can see, the water level is higher and flowing much faster than it has over the past two days because of heavy rainfall upstream in Mpumalanga. This is making the search extremely difficult. If the soldier is deceased, the water could carry the body further downstream. If the body is trapped underwater, we may not be able to see him, as the force of the water can keep it pinned under rocks or trees. All of this is making it far more difficult to locate him,” Potgieter said.
–SABC–
