-Staff Writer / Fri, 26 Dec 2025
Picture : TdtNews Soweto
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that one of its members has died while another remains missing after a military patrol vehicle was swept away by floodwaters during Operation Corona at Macadamia.
SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, said the incident occurred while members of the Military Police were conducting routine patrol duties near a river that had become dangerously swollen following recent heavy rains.
“A military vehicle attempted to cross a river that had been heavily flooded due to recent weather conditions. During the crossing, two SANDF members were swept away by the strong current,” Dlamini said.
The body of one member has since been recovered, while the search continues for the second member, who is still missing.
According to the SANDF, an extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team, with aerial support from an SANDF Oryx helicopter. Authorities say all available resources have been mobilised to locate the missing member as swiftly as possible.
The defence force has appealed to the media and the public to allow rescue teams space to continue their work and to ensure that affected families are properly supported and informed.
Meanwhile, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, her deputies Major General (Retired) Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, Defence Secretary Dr Thobekile Gamede, and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya have expressed their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member.
They have also conveyed their solidarity with the family of the missing member as search efforts continue.
News Junction (Gold Standard)