After a 12-day search, the sixth victim who was washed away in a vehicle in uMsinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal has been recovered.
Image: KZN Cogta / Facebook
A 12-day search and recovery operation in uMsinga has come to an end following the recovery of a sixth victim, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed on Tuesday.
The multidisciplinary team located the body of a man in the eMakhabeleni area, within the uMvoti Local Municipality, on Monday. Due to the length of time the victim was in the water, authorities stated that a formal DNA process will be conducted to ensure a positive identification.
The tragedy took place nearly two weeks ago at the Imfenebude bridge on the P17 in eNadi, uMsinga when six people were swept away while travelling in a bakkie. The bakkie driver had attempted to cross a low-lying bridge while the river was flooded due to heavy rains.
Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, praised the relentless efforts of the SAPS Search and Rescue teams and the Disaster Management units from both uMsinga and uMvoti.
"The recovery of the last missing person has concluded the search effort. All individuals have now been accounted for, and families may begin the next steps in their healing process," Buthelezi said.
The operation was coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, which has been on-site since the vehicle was first reported as missing.
The MEC extended his deepest condolences to the families affected by the disaster, acknowledging the "cooperation and patience" shown by the local community during the agonising 12-day wait for closure.
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