By: Nokulunga Lebambo
Severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall has claimed the lives of three people and left one person missing in Mpumalanga, following multiple flood-related incidents reported across the province since New Year’s DayIn the first incident, a 19-year-old man lost his life after attempting to cross a river in Louisville on the evening of 1 January 2026. According to reports, the teenager had been at a local tavern with his brothers before deciding to walk home alone at around 21:00.
It is believed that strong water currents, caused by heavy rainfall, overpowered him while crossing the river. His body was discovered by community members and family the following morning at approximately 11:30. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed his death at the scene.In a second flood-related tragedy, a woman died after a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters along Lilly Mine Road late on 1 January 2026. The incident occurred at around 23:00 when two men and a woman were travelling in a red-and-blue Toyota Condor and attempted to cross a flooded bridge.
The two male occupants managed to escape, but the woman was unable to do so. Her body was recovered the following morning and she was declared deceased by EMS. She was formally identified by her next of kin.Earlier that same evening, Middelburg police opened an inquest following the drowning of a teenage girl. The incident occurred at approximately 19:20 when a group of teenagers attempted to cross to a newly built RDP house.Police divers and the Fire Department responded to the scene, but the girl was pronounced dead on site. Her body was transported by Forensic Pathology Services for further investigation.
In a fourth incident, a 27-year-old man remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to cross a flooded bridge between Nhlaba and the Manaar area in Ekulindeni at around 18:00 on 1 January 2026.Despite efforts by community members to locate him, the search was unsuccessful.
The Mpumalanga SAPS Diving Unit has confirmed that search and rescue operations will continue.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has urged residents to exercise extreme caution during ongoing rainy conditions.