Search for missing SANDF soldier near Komatipoort paused
Search-and-rescue operations to find a missing SANDF soldier have been postponed until December 29, with rescue teams remaining hopeful despite difficult conditions.
Despite their strenuous efforts on Sunday, December 28, the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit has postponed the search for the missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier until Monday, December 29.
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This follows an incident on Christmas Day in which two SANDF soldiers were swept away by floodwaters when they attempted to cross the Nkomazi River in their vehicle. One soldier’s body has since been recovered, while the other remains missing.
The unit deployed drones and the provincial Emergency Medical Services helicopter, but no positive results have been found so far.
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Captain Pottie Potgieter of the diving unit said drones and a police helicopter will again be used on Monday morning in an effort to locate the body.
“If we don’t find the body, we will continue on foot into Mozambique to try and locate it,” he added.
The unit also expressed concern after drone footage revealed numerous crocodiles in the area, raising fears that the soldier may have been attacked. However, they remain hopeful and have committed to continuing the search until all possibilities have been exhausted.
