New Hanover – The body of one of the three persons who were swept away during heavy rains by the Injesuthi River, in Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), has been spotted, and efforts are underway to recover it.
“We have received the first report from the roving team that worked flat out since last night, following prolonged rainfall in Umshwathi Local Municipality,” said KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma on Monday, 24 November 2025.
“The body of one of the three victims who were swept away has been located.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family.
“At this stage, we can report that most of the affected victims are foreign nationals.”
The MEC said a roving team from Human Settlements and the Department of Transport was working with the Mayor of Umshwathi Local Municipality, Mandla Zondi, and disaster teams to assist the victims.
“When offered a community hall for temporary shelter last night, the affected residents disappeared and some resolved to spend time with relatives,” MEC Duma said.
“However, in our engagement with Mayor Zondi and local Ward 2 Cllr Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo and disaster teams, we have agreed that the verification process of affected victims will get underway this morning.
“It is estimated that around 100 or less victims, mostly from Lesotho, were affected.
“Sadly, the informal settlements that were washed away were built in floodplains.
“We continue to plead with communities not to build in flood plains.”
