KOMATIPOORT – A routine military patrol turned into a tragedy on Christmas when two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a swollen river near the Macadamia military base in Mpumalanga during Operation Corona.
The incident took place when a military vehicle carrying members of the SANDF military police tried to navigate across a river that had become heavily flooded due to recent severe weather conditions in the area.
According to an official statement released by the SANDF on Friday, the strong current of the flooded river overwhelmed the vehicle, resulting in two personnel being swept away by the rushing waters.
Tragically, the body of one SANDF member has been recovered, while an extensive search and rescue operation continues for the second missing soldier. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team, supported by an SANDF Oryx helicopter, is leading the ongoing rescue mission.
“All efforts are being made to locate the member as quickly as possible,” the SANDF statement confirmed.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, along with Deputy Ministers Major General (retired) Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, have expressed their condolences to the families affected. Secretary for Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya have also conveyed their heartfelt sympathies.
The leadership team expressed “deep concern and solidarity with the family of the missing member during this difficult time,” while offering support to the families, friends, and colleagues of both affected soldiers.
The incident occurred during Operation Corona, though specific details about the nature of this operation have not been disclosed. The soldiers were conducting what the SANDF described as “routine patrol duties” when the tragedy unfolded.
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