By: The Youth Voice Reporter

Mpumalanga – The search for a missing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member continues in Mpumalanga, with police confirming that all available resources and stakeholders have been deployed in an intensified rescue operation.Mpumalanga police said on Monday (29 december 2026) that it is “all hands on deck” as the search enters another critical phase following a tragic incident that occurred during Operation Corona at Komatipoort on the 26th of December 2025.

According to the SANDF, the incident happened when a military vehicle carrying members of the SANDF Military Police attempted to cross a river that had become dangerously flooded due to recent heavy rains. During the crossing, two SANDF members were swept away by the strong current.The body of one member has since been recovered, while the second member remains missing. Authorities say the coordinated effort highlights the seriousness of the operation, as teams search both from the air and in the water in an effort to locate the missing SANDF member as quickly as possible.“The rescue mission remains ongoing, and every possible resource has been deployed,” police said in a statement.

The SANDF has appealed to the media and the public to allow search and rescue teams the necessary space to carry out their work, while also enabling the affected families to be formally informed and supported during this difficult time.Senior government and defence leadership have also expressed their condolences following the tragedy.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, Deputy Ministers Major General (Retired) Bantu Holomisa and Mr Richard Hlophe, together with the Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member.updates will be provided as new information becomes available.