Body of Drowned Mpumalanga Woman Recovered

The body of a woman believed to be a 45-year-old who drowned in Msholozi near Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has been recovered.

The woman reportedly went missing after attempting to cross an overflowing stream in the area. She was allegedly swept away at the same spot where a two-year-old toddler drowned earlier this week on Tuesday.

Authorities have once again urged members of the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers, streams and submerged bridges, warning that the ongoing heavy rains have made many areas extremely dangerous.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has praised the swift response by South African National Parks (SANParks) in safeguarding visitors and staff at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo following widespread flooding.

Prolonged heavy rainfall in both provinces has led to severe flooding on several roads and bridges within the park. As a precaution, a number of roads, camps and gates have been closed, and visitors from affected camps were evacuated. SANParks has confirmed that continuous safety assessments are underway and that access will only be restored once conditions are deemed safe.

Tourism Department spokesperson Aldrin Sampear said the minister acknowledged the distress caused to tourists whose travel plans were disrupted and thanked them for their patience and cooperation. He added that SANParks’ established emergency protocols ensured that safety measures were implemented efficiently and without any loss of life. The minister also commended local and provincial authorities, as well as private sector partners, for assisting with alternative accommodation for affected tourists.

The South African Weather Service continues to issue warnings as heavy rainfall persists in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, increasing the risk of flooding across the region.