The body of a third family member who was in a vehicle that was swept off a low-level bridge near Henley Dam in KZN on New Year’s Eve was found yesterday.

The body of Manzi Mayisa, who had been driving the vehicle, was discovered by community members and recovered by the police search-and-rescue team.

Makhosi Mazibuko, her son Ntandoyenkosi Mazibuko (7), and brother-in-law Manzi Mayisa (35) were swept away while attempting to cross a low-level bridge on the flooded Msunduzi River after storms and heavy rains had battered the area.

The bodies of Makhosi and her son were discovered inside the recovered vehicle the next day.

During yesterday’s recovery operation, Bongeni Mazibuko, the grieving husband, father and brother of the three victims, recounted how helpless he was when he rushed to the scene on the fateful day, when they were driving back home from shopping.

“They were out shopping for New Year’s Eve and were on their way back. I had just returned home when I received a frantic call from my wife that I must rush there to save them from drowning. When I got there we tried several times to get to the vehicle and rescue them but the water was too high and swept the vehicle away,” said Mazibuko.

After searching the area the vehicle was spotted the next day as the water levels started dropping.

“Community members spotted the bumper of the submerged vehicle and when I got there, we called police and the army which was in the area to help us retrieve the car and recover the bodies of my wife and son,” said Mazibuko, who blamed the tragedy on blocked pipes that cause the water to ‘gush over the bridge’ instead of flowing beneath it.

Henley Dam’s low-level bridges have cost many lives over the years, with the community urging government to take action.

Walwa Zondi, who lives nearby, told The Witness that similar incidents occur every year during the holiday season.

“It is just unfortunate and really heartbreaking that we experience these things year in and year out. Such incidents have been going on for a number of years and something must be done by the ward councillor and municipality.”

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande, with officials from Msunduzi Municipality, visited the grieving family last week.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Plessislaer police have registered an inquest docket following the deaths and confirmed that the bodies of all three victims have been recovered.

Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said it was heartbreaking and unfortunate the incident took place during the festive season when everybody is expected to be celebrating and spending time together as families.

“We are all shattered. The festive season is a time where people sit down, enjoy and celebrate the end of the year. How do you explain this tragedy? Our deepest condolences go to the family, the community, and they are in our prayers,” said Thebolla.

He urged the community members not to tempt fate by crossing low-level bridges when rivers are flooding.

“Our people must understand that floods are unpredictable and water is powerful and deadly,” said Thebolla.