Limpopo flood related-deaths increase to 23

Letaba River in Limpopo.

Two more bodies have been retrieved from streams at Nghomunghomu village outside Malamulele and in Louis Trichardt in Limpopo on Saturday.

This brings to 23 the number of people swept away by overflowing rivers and streams due to the flood.

The search for a five-year-old Siyanda Baloyi and two bakkie occupants swept away by flooding waters at Mbaula village outside Giyani and Tswinga village near Thohoyandou is continuing.

Provincial Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba says they have opened inquest dockets.

Ledwaba says, “According to reports, police responded to the scene, where the body of the deceased was found floating in a river near a local restaurant. The deceased was partially unclothed, wearing a brown striped T-shirt, blue and white underwear, black socks, and no shoes.”

He adds: “Emergency Medical Services certified both deceased persons dead at the scenes. The circumstances surrounding both incidents are unclear at this stage, and further police investigations will determine the cause of death.”