Heavy Lowveld rains wash away people, damage property

Ongoing heavy rain has left a trail of destruction across the Lowveld, with several schools, bridges and roads affected.

- Riot Hlatshwayo

Since the rains began towards the end of 2025, a number of people have been swept away while attempting to cross flooded bridges, resulting in several deaths.

Two South African National Defence Force soldiers, aged 33 and 39, were swept away by powerful currents while carrying out border patrol duties on Christmas Day. They were attempting to cross the flooded Nkomazi River in their vehicle when it was swept away.

The body of one of the soldiers was found the following day, while the other remained missing for several days. This prompted a rescue mission that resulted in the discovery of human remains on December 29, believed to be those of the missing soldier.