Search resumes for missing SANDF soldier swept away during Christmas day patrol
Two SANDF members were swept away when their patrol vehicle was caught by strong currents in a flooded section of the Komati River.
Image: File
The search for a missing SANDF member has resumed in Mpumalanga on Monday morning.
The man is one of two soldiers who were swept away on Christmas Day when their patrol vehicle was caught by strong currents in a flooded section of the Komati River during Operation Corona, the SANDF’s ongoing border safeguarding mission.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the pair attempted to cross a flooded river during border control operations in the area.
Mdhluli added that divers managed to retrieve one body last Friday, while the search for the second soldier continues.
“The search for the missing SANDF member is continuing. This is a collaborative effort whereby the search and rescue team is working together to ensure that the missing member is found.”
The multi-agency operation has included aerial and aquatic search resources. He added that technological apparatus, such as drones, is also being utilised.
On Saturday, search teams recovered the SANDF patrol vehicle from the river.
“The SANDF bakkie was retrieved from the river where two rifles, a mobile phone and other items were found, but the missing SANDF member has not yet been found,” Mdhluli said.
He also acknowledged the support of the local community.
“The community is playing a crucial role where one member of the public used a crane to pull the SANDF bakkie out of the river,” he said at the time.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.