Tragedy on the Border
Tragedy on the Border
Natalie Nyathi
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is facing a difficult time as they search for a soldier missing in the Nkomazi River near the Mozambique border. This incident, which happened four days ago, has already led to the loss of one soldier and serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those in the military.
On Christmas Day, two SANDF Military Police members were on a routine patrol as part of Operation Corona when their vehicle was caught in the strong currents of the flooded Nkomazi River. They were trying to cross a low bridge near the Lebombo Border Post when the tragedy occurred.
Operation Corona aims to protect South Africa’s borders from crime, including drug smuggling and human trafficking. It involves regular patrols along the borders with Mozambique, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
The search and rescue teams began their efforts right after the accident, but rising water levels and strong currents have made the situation challenging. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team and an SANDF helicopter have joined the search, and drones are also being used to scan the area.
While one body was recovered soon after the incident, recent developments include the discovery of human remains believed to belong to the missing soldier. A local fisherman found these remains in a remote part of the river. Authorities have confirmed that only a head has been recovered so far, and they worry that other remains may have been taken by animals.
Brigadier Donald Mdhluli stated, “At this moment we cannot confirm that this are the remains of the missing soldier. We need to conduct DNA tests to ensure the identity of the remains that we found here.” The search effort is now moving toward the Mozambican border, with drones helping in the search for more remains.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has expressed condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy.
The Nkomazi River is known for flooding, and recent heavy rains in the Lowveld region have made things worse, leading to road closures and wildlife disruptions. Authorities continue to warn people against crossing swollen rivers and remind them to be careful of local wildlife.
This sad event highlights the risks taken by those serving on the country’s borders. The SANDF is dedicated to finding the missing soldier and supporting the affected families during this tough time.
