Key Takeaways:
- A 31-year-old driver is missing after being swept away by a flooded river in Atok, Sekhukhune, on Monday night
- The driver’s car has been found, but his whereabouts are still unknown
- A multi-disciplinary team is searching for the missing driver, including police, emergency services, and local security teams
- Police are warning residents to avoid crossing rivers during heavy rainfall to prevent similar incidents
- An inquest docket has been opened after the discovery of human remains at Mangwele mountain, which are believed to belong to a resident who went missing in September 2022
Introduction to the Incident
The Limpopo police are continuing their search for a 31-year-old driver who was swept away by a flooded river in Atok, Sekhukhune, on Monday night. The incident occurred at around 9:30 pm when a vehicle carrying two people attempted to cross the river, but was swept away by strong currents. The male passenger managed to escape and was taken to a local clinic for treatment, but the driver’s whereabouts are still a mystery. The police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that a search for the driver was launched immediately, involving a multi-disciplinary team of Apel police, the SAPS search and rescue unit, emergency services, mine personnel, and local security teams.
The Search Efforts
The search for the driver was initially suspended due to rising water levels and dangerous weather conditions, which posed a risk to the rescuers’ safety. However, the search resumed at first light on Tuesday, and the vehicle was recovered, but unfortunately, the driver was not found. Ledwaba said that teams have been working relentlessly under challenging conditions to locate the missing man. The provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe, thanked all personnel involved in the search efforts and urged residents to exercise extreme caution when crossing rivers during heavy rainfall. He emphasized that these incidents can be prevented by taking necessary precautions and avoiding risky behavior.
Investigations and Warnings
Police investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police are warning residents to avoid crossing rivers during heavy rainfall, as it can be extremely dangerous. The strong currents and rising water levels can sweep away vehicles and people, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The police are urging community members to exercise extreme caution and to seek alternative routes or wait until the water levels recede before attempting to cross rivers. By taking these precautions, residents can prevent similar incidents and ensure their safety.
Discovery of Human Remains
In a separate incident, the Limpopo police have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of human remains at Mangwele mountain. The remains were discovered by a community member who reported the sighting of a skull and bones on the mountain. The police responded immediately and found a decomposed skull, scattered bones, clothing items, a black purse, a handbag, an ID card, and a cellphone hidden under a large stone. Preliminary investigations revealed that the items at the scene appeared to belong to a resident of Tshiheni village who was reported missing in September 2022. A family member positively identified the clothing and ID card as those of her mother. The skull and bones were collected for DNA analysis to conclusively confirm the identity of the deceased.
Ongoing Investigations
Police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the person whose remains were found at Mangwele mountain. The police are working to piece together the events leading up to the person’s death and to identify any potential suspects or causes of death. The discovery of the human remains has brought closure to the family of the missing person, but it also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the death. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. By working together, the police and the community can help to prevent similar incidents and ensure that justice is served.