A herdsman has been presumed drowned in KZN. Photo: RUSA// Facebook
SAD: Man presumed drowned in KZN’s destructive weather
Flash flooding, poor lighting and continuous heavy downpours have hampered rescued efforts of the drowned man.
A herdsman has been presumed drowned in KZN. Photo: RUSA// Facebook
A man is presumed to have drowned while attempting to travel across a river in Zwelisha, north of KwaZulu-Natal this afternoon, Tuesday, 27 June.
MAN HERDING CATTLE UNDER ESTIMATE THE RIVER CURRENT
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) reports that the river swelled rapidly during the heavy downpour.
RUSA says its members and police officers from the Verulam SAPS interviewed several witnesses at approximately 16:14 who confirmed that the male was herding cows in Palmview.
“He allegedly decided to return to his residence in Zwelisha after sudden heavy rains swept through the area. While traversing the river, the herdsman and one cow experienced difficulty and were swept away,” RUSA reported.
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HERDSMAN DROWNED WHILE COW EXITS FLOODED RIVER
It is further reported that the cow managed to exit the river further downstream but witnesses confirmed that the man disappeared underwater.
“Reaction Officers have scoured the river banks from Zwelisha to Ottawa in an attempt to locate the victim but the search was unsuccessful,” RUSA explained.
“Flash flooding, poor lighting and continuous heavy downpours have hampered any attempt of a rescue.”
RUSA
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TORNADO TURNS KZN UPSIDE DOWN
This tragedy follows a tornado that wreaked havoc in parts of Inanda Valley leaving a trail of destruction today.
The collapse and destruction of homes and infrastructure have left part of the township in disarray.
It is believed two people have been admitted to hospital with minor injuries. Emergency services are still busy on the scene to assist the affected communities.
ALSO READ: Emergency services respond to two drownings in KwaZulu-Natal
Meanwhile, the ANC in the province has mandated its Officials to come closer to the families affected by the violent thunderstorm.
The ANC’s Provincial Secretary Bheki Mtolo indicated that the party is in constant contact with the MEC for Co-operatives Governance and Traditional Affairs Cde Bongi Sithole-Moloi and the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Cde Sipho K.K Nkosi.
ALSO READ: ANC in KZN responds to Tornado havoc, deploys HELP
