Woman drowns after taxi is swept away in fast flowing river
A woman drowned while three others managed to escape unharmed when a taxi was swept away in a river that had come down in flood near Utrecht on Tuesday.
The woman (33) was one of four passengers travelling in the taxi when the driver attempted to cross the Ncamndane River that was in full flow following the heavy rain.
The woman was unable to escape and rescue teams were sent to the scene. Efforts to recover the woman’s body have so far been unsuccessful and search operations are ongoing.
Amajuba SAPS spokesperson COntable Langa confirmed that the incident occurred at the Donkerhoek farm in Groenvlei.
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, extended his condolences to the bereaved family and has instructed disaster management teams to offer support to those affected.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” said Buthelezi.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by adverse weather conditions in the province. Heavy rainfall levels 4 and 5 were recorded earlier in the week, increasing the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Buthelezi appealed to holiday travellers to prioritise safety and remain informed about local weather alerts during this upcoming Easter weekend. Forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) indicate a cold front that will result in the dropping of temperature, heavy rainfall and possible snowfall for the Easter weekend.
Amajuba SAPS spokesperson COntable Langa confirmed that the incident occured at the Donkerhoek farm in Groenvlei. An inquest docket was opened in Groenvlei SAPS
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