Flooded river claims life of SANDF soldier during Christmas Day border control operation
An SANDF patrol vehicle was swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross a flooded river during Operation Corona, resulting in the death of one soldier and another reported missing.
Image: Motshwari Mofokeng/ Independent Media
Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were swept away while conducting patrol duties during Operation Corona after a military vehicle attempted to cross a flooded river at Macadamia, Mpumalanga.
The incident occurred on Thursday amid heavy flooding caused by recent weather conditions.
The SANDF said the vehicle, carrying members of its Military Police, was caught by a strong current while crossing the river.
The body of one soldier has since been recovered, while the second member remains missing.
A search and rescue operation is ongoing, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team, supported by an SANDF Oryx helicopter. Authorities said all efforts were being made to locate the missing soldier as quickly as possible.
The SANDF appealed to the media to allow space for rescue operations to continue and for the families of the affected members to be informed and supported.
"As the operation remains ongoing, the media is respectfully requested to provide space to allow search and rescue efforts to continue and to enable the families to be duly informed and supported," the SANDF said.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, her deputies, the Secretary for Defence and SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya conveyed their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased soldier. They also expressed concern and solidarity with the family of the missing member during what was described as a difficult time.
Operation Corona is the SANDF’s ongoing border safeguarding mission.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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