Durban – Two more bodies of residents swept away during heavy rains in New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal, have been recovered.
“Two remaining bodies of the three residents that were swept away in New Hanover have been identified,” Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
RELATED: New Hanover Heavy Rains: Three Persons Swept Away, 1 Body Found – The Bulrushes
MEC Duma added: “All of them have been recovered so far. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
At least 19 homes were destroyed by floods, and the recent hailstorm in New Hanover.
MEC Duma said the affected households will receive “our assistance as a matter of urgency”.
Earlier this week, on Monday, 1 December 2025, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane visited the area.
MEC Duma said: “We thank the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, for demonstrating bold leadership.
“Her visit on Monday has augmented our intervention.
“We have agreed that landlords who built houses along the riverbank will no longer be allowed to rent out their places.”
MEC Duma said tenants will look for safe alternative places to rent.
“People who live in both mud and block houses, not built by government, will be given temporary residential units, and their houses will be demolished,” MEC Duma said.
“As a department, we are managing the possibilities of relocating four families who are living in houses built by the government, as their policy does not allow them to benefit twice.”
He said engineers will assess houses built away from the riverbank, which were flooded during the rains.
“Finally, following last night’s storm, we are receiving reports from our roving teams from human settlements in various district municipalities,” MEC Duma said.
“The team has reported that there are houses that have been damaged.
“We are currently collating information and working with disaster teams to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Regarding transport, our Road Traffic Inspectorate Team is monitoring traffic and ensuring the safety of motorists.
MEC Duma said engineers were also assessing road infrastructure in the area.
“They will indicate if there is any need to close certain road networks,” he said.
“We urge motorists to keep a following distance and reduce speed.”
