The frantic search for the remaining child, washed away by the flooded Steenkoolspruit, is continuing. The bodies of 11-year-old Melokuhle Steele and 5-year-old Kholeka Khumalo were found on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Melokhule’s body was found wrapped in a clump of reeds and debris on the banks of the high steel railway bridge near the industrial area. The remains of Kholeka were found about 10 metres from the river near Vulendela Bush Camp on the Ngisane Road.

However, despite efforts of the Police’s Search and Rescue Units and volunteers, there has been no sign of 8-year-old Ayabonga Steele.

All three siblings were washed into the river after the roof of their home in Lindilani was ripped off during last Thursday’s vicious storm.  The community has come together to search for the children while donations of food and building material have been presented to storm victims by the Gift of the Givers and other benefactors. The storm claimed six lives and damaged homes and businesses as it cut a trail of destruction through Dundee.

A search for Ayabonga will continue and anyone wishing to help should contact  Amanda 061 731 0228 or Taryn 061 925 0060. The plan is meet at 10.30am today where the body of the first child was found on Sunday, near the railway bridge, between the area below the Sibongile Patk and the silos in the industrial area.  Soft drinks will be given to search parties.

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