Emergency services in Tshwane are conducting an intensive search operation along the Hennops River following a missing persons report filed with police on Sunday.
The effort aims to rule out the possibility that a vehicle was swept away by raging floodwaters caused by relentless heavy rains battering the region.
Swift-water rescue teams and search specialists are on site, but high water levels and strong currents have forced personnel to delay entering the river until conditions improve for safety reasons.
Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Radebe Kgiba explained: “Yesterday, we received a call from SAPS, who were at the Hennops River looking for two missing people. On arrival, we were informed that a missing persons case had been opened and that the last known location was identified here. Search and rescue, including swift-water rescue teams, arrived to search the river to determine whether a vehicle is present.”
The heavy downpours have caused widespread disruption across Tshwane, damaging roads, bridges, and infrastructure, while flooding homes and low-lying areas.
Tragically, the floods have already claimed one life, with a person drowning in Olievenhoutbosch.
With more rain forecast, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and disruptive rainfall. Residents are urged to avoid flooded areas, low-water bridges, and swollen streams to prevent further incidents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the search persists.