Woman found dead in a river stream amid severe weather in Mpumalanga

Mapaballo Borotho

A 44-year-old woman died after being swept away by floodwaters near White River in Mpumalanga.
She was reportedly crossing a stream when she tried to retrieve a bucket that was carried away by the strong current.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious as severe weather continues in the province.

A 44-year-old woman has died after being swept away by strong water currents near White River in Mpumalanga, as heavy rains and flooding continue to wreak havoc across the province.

According to Mpumalanga police, the incident occurred at around 21h00 on Wednesday when a group of people attempted to cross a stream.

Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said the woman, a hawker at a local school in Msholozi, was carrying a bucket she used to sell fatcakes in school.

“It is alleged that while crossing the stream, the bucket was swept away by the water. As she attempted to retrieve it, she was also swept away by the strong current,” Ndubane said.

Her body was recovered about five kilometres downstream on Thursday.

Mpumalanga and Limpopo have been battered by extreme weather conditions, disrupting essential services in some areas, and the situations keeps on getting worse.

Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and to heed the level 10 weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).