- Search underway for driver following flooding - December 3, 2025
- David Mokoena o re letsogo leo le fago ke leo le šegofatšwago. - July 8, 2025
Police in Apel, Sekhukhune have launched an intensive search operation after a 31-year-old male driver was swept away by a flooded river at Atok on Monday night, 01 December 2025, at around 21:30.
Initial reports suggest a vehicle attempting to cross the river was swept away by strong currents with a male passenger managing to swim to safety.
He was rushed to a local clinic where he was treated and later discharged.
A search operation was immediately activated involving Apel SAPS, SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, local security services, and mine personnel, including drone pilots, as well as EMS personnel.
Police said the vehicle has since been found and retrieved from the river while the driver remains missing.
“During the operation, the missing vehicle was located; however, due to dangerous weather conditions and rising water levels, rescuers were unable to reach it. The search was suspended for safety reasons and resumed the following morning. The vehicle was successfully retrieved, but the 31-year-old driver remained missing,” said police in a statement.
The SAPS Search and Rescue Unit as well as other supporting teams have been continuing with the search to locate the missing man.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her appreciation to all role-players for their commitment and teamwork under challenging conditions.
“We extend our gratitude to every stakeholder who has been working tirelessly since this tragic incident. We urge community members to exercise extreme caution when approaching or attempting to cross rivers, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
