SANDF member killed, another missing after vehicle swept away by flooded river

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SANDF member killed, another missing after vehicle swept away by flooded river

Bulelwa Hoala

One SANDF member has died and another remains missing after a military vehicle was swept away while crossing a flooded river during Operation Corona.
The incident occurred during routine patrol duties, with the South African Police Service Diving Unit and an SANDF Oryx helicopter leading ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and senior defence officials have conveyed their condolences to the family of the deceased and support for the missing member’s loved ones.

One South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member has died, and another is missing after they were swept away by a flooded river during Operation Corona in Macadamia, Mpumalanga, on Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December 2025.

According to SANDF, the military police were conducting routine patrol duties when the military vehicle they were travelling in attempted to cross a heavily flooded river.

In a statement, the SANDF has confirmed that an extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team, supported by an SAND Oryx helicopter, continues to search for the missing member. The rescue mission remains ongoing, and all efforts are being made to locate the member as quickly as possible,” the statement read.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased member and conveyed their solidarity with the family of the missing member.