Two Police Services Search and Rescue Unit members died in the line of duty on Sunday as the death toll from the devastating floods rose to more than 440.
At about 11:30 on Sunday morning, 42-year-old Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara was conducting a search in the Msunduzi river for three victims that had drowned earlier in the week, when she got into difficulty and drowned.
The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) member was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was sadly declared dead on arrival.
During the same operation, K9 Leah – a police dog from the Durban Central Search and Rescue Unit – also drowned.
According to reports, Leah was attempting to assist Sergeant Mjwara when she also experienced difficulties.
A few days ago 31-year-old Constable Thandazile Sithole who was attached to the Durban Central Police Station, died when her home collapsed on her.
At least 30 police officers have been affected by the floods with some injured and the majority displaced after their homes were washed away.
“On behalf of the SAPS, let me take this opportunity to thank the deceased members for their service to the nation,” said SA Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
“These members died heroines, putting their country first.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the two members, K9 Leah, and those members who have lost their loved ones.
” A speedy recovery to those who have been injured as well as those who have lost their homes and belongings.”
Commenting on the tragedy on Sunday Emer-G-Med expressed “heartfelt condolences to the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit on the tragic news of the death of two of their members lost in the line of duty today”.
Emer-G-Med added: “Sgt B Mjwara and K9 officer Leah made the ultimate sacrifice to the republic during rescue operation efforts in flood-stricken Kwazulu-Natal.
“Thank you members for your service to both humans and K9. Our thoughts are with your colleagues and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, eNCA is reporting that the death toll from last week’s devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods has risen to 443.
The television channel is reporting that KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says 63 more people are still missing.
