The police in Apel, Limpopo, have launched an intensive search for a 31-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters in Atok on Monday night.

Polokwane Review reports the incident happened at about 21:30 when a vehicle attempted to cross a river swollen by heavy rainfall. According to police, strong currents overturned the vehicle and dragged it downstream.

Passenger escapes, driver goes missing

“One passenger managed to escape and was taken to a local clinic for treatment before being discharged. The driver did not resurface,” says Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

He adds that a large multi-disciplinary search operation was activated immediately, involving Apel SAPS, the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, EMS personnel, mine rescue teams, local security services and drone pilots who assisted with aerial searches.

Rising water levels halt night rescue

“The vehicle was located during the night, but rising water levels and dangerous conditions made it impossible for rescuers to reach it. The operation was suspended for safety reasons and resumed at first light on Tuesday,” he says.

The vehicle was successfully recovered later that morning, however, the driver remains missing.

Search continues amid bad weather

“Search teams continued combing the riverbanks and surrounding areas throughout the day as bad weather persisted,” Ledwaba adds.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, thanks all responders for their efforts under extremely challenging conditions and urged the public to avoid river crossings during heavy rain.

“We extend our gratitude to every stakeholder who has been working tirelessly since this tragic incident. We urge community members to exercise extreme caution when approaching or attempting to cross rivers, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding,” she says.

The search for the missing man and police investigations continue.

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