The search for 26-year-old Nandipha Nkosi, who is believed to have been swept away by a strong current in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, on January 6, continues to raise questions. Nandipha, who was with a friend at the time, was reportedly tasked with delivering money to someone across a stream when the incident occurred. However, the details surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, leaving her family desperate for answers.
According to Nandipha’s mother, Maria Nkosi (57), she first learned about the tragedy from a friend, who arrived with a jacket that was said to belong to her daughter. The friend, who was accompanied by police, claimed the jacket had been found near the scene. Maria, however, expressed confusion, as the family had not been provided with a clear explanation of what had transpired. “We want to know what really happened because so much doesn’t make sense at this point. We’re also praying that our daughter’s body be found so we can get closure,” she said, voicing the pain and uncertainty her family is facing.
Nandipha’s uncle, Boy Shelemba (57), raised further concerns about the circumstances of the incident. He questioned why the jacket, which was found in the area, had not been swept away by the current if it truly belonged to Nandipha. “This jacket doesn’t belong to her, and if she was wearing it, why was it not washed away? There’s something mysterious about this jacket,” Boy said. His suspicions have added to the family’s sense of unease, and they are demanding a full explanation from the friend who was last seen with Nandipha.
As the search for Nandipha continues, local residents have come together to assist the family and authorities in locating the missing woman. However, the community’s frustration is growing. Nokuthula Ntshangase, a local resident who has been actively involved in the search, expressed her disappointment with the local municipality. She highlighted that for years, the community has requested the construction of a bridge over the stream, but their requests have been ignored. “People, including pupils, have to cross the stream daily. We asked the municipality to build a bridge years ago and they failed. This is not the first time someone has been washed away in this area,” she said, underscoring the urgency of addressing the hazardous crossing.
Mpumalanga police have confirmed they are continuing the search operation for Nandipha and another individual who was allegedly swept away by the same water. Brigadier Donald Mdluli, spokesperson for the police, also urged the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers during this time of heavy rainfall to prevent further incidents. “We urge members of the public to refrain from going to rivers as we had a lot of rain to avoid incidences where people go missing or drown,” he said, as the search effort continues and the mystery deepens.
As the days pass, Nandipha’s family remains in anguish, hoping for a resolution while grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the events of that fateful day.
