NELSPRUIT – Three fatalities and one person reported missing have been recorded following separate flood-related incidents across Mpumalanga.
First incident:
On 01 January 2026 at approximately 21:00, a 19-year-old male was reportedly with his two brothers at a local tavern in Louisville. Later that evening, he decided to walk home alone.
It is suspected that while attempting to cross a river, he was overpowered by strong water currents caused by heavy rainfall and was swept away. On 02 January 2026 at approximately 11:30, community members and family located his body. He was positively identified by his uncle, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certified him deceased.
Second incident:
On 01 January 2026 at approximately 23:00, along Lilly Mine Road, it is alleged that two males and one female were travelling in a red-and-blue Toyota Condor when the vehicle was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge.
The two male occupants managed to escape, while…
