Three children are feared missing in Gauteng after being swept away by flash floods on Sunday, March 2. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has launched an extensive search operation, aided by multiple emergency teams, but so far, there have been no signs of the children.
NSRI Gauteng station commander, Gerhard Potgieter, confirmed that the search began early on Sunday morning after eyewitnesses reported seeing the children being caught in flash floods near Cilliers Street and Walkers Spruit crossing in Sunnyside, Tshwane. Authorities were alerted when the South African Police Service (SAPS) received reports of the children being swept away in the floodwaters.
The search operation has involved a wide range of emergency services, including NSRI swift water rescue swimmers, Tshwane Police Water Policing and Diving Services, Sedibeng Police K9 Search and Rescue, Ekurhuleni Police K9 Search and Rescue, SARZA, and Tshwane Fire and Rescue Services. In addition, a Gauteng traffic police helicopter was deployed to assist in the search.
Despite their best efforts, including extensive air, water, and riverbank searches throughout Sunday, the search teams have yet to find any trace of the missing children. The SAPS continues to investigate the case.
This tragedy follows a similar incident in late February when the bodies of three individuals, including a child, were found washed ashore on Durban’s southern beaches following severe storms. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson reported that the bodies of two women were discovered at Anstey’s and Brighton beaches on the Bluff, while the body of a child was found at Cuttings Beach.
As heavy rains continue to affect parts of South Africa, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid areas prone to flooding.
