A military vehicle was reportedly swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross the bridge of a heavily-flooded Nkomazi river, near Komatipoort, on Christmas Day 25 December 2025, resulting in the disappearance of two members of the SANDF(South African National Defence Force) who were allegedly travelling in the said vehicle.
The two soldiers were reportedly conducting routine patrols as part of Operation Corona aimed at safeguarding the country’s borders.
Police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said a collaborative search mission was immediately conducted by Divers from the SAPS(South African Police Service), and SANParks(South African National Parks) resulting in the discovery of the body of one soldier on 26 December 2025, who allegedly drowned during the incident.
As the search continued at Komati river in Komatipoort on Monday 29 December 2025, the team was reportedly alerted by a local fisherman about the remains of a person floating in the river. It was then reportedly confirmed that it was indeed the remains of a male person.
Caption: The military vehicle that was swept away by floods at Nkomazi river
“ On the same day (26 December 2025), the first helicopter that started with the search was brought in by the SANPARKS, followed by SANDF Helicopter, then on 27 December 2025 the SAPS Chopper was brought in. Technological Apparatus (such as drones) are also utilised. Yesterday, Saturday 27 December 2025, the SANDF bakkie was retrieved from the river where two rifles, a mobile phone and other items were found but the missing SANDF has not yet been found,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
In addition, Brigadier Mdhluli said the community played a crucial role and one member of the public used a Crane to pull the SANDF bakkie out of the river, while the search for the second body was underway.
“ The remains, suspected to be that of the(second) missing SANDF member, were found next to the borderline between Mozambique and South Africa. An inquest case has been registered where DNA tests will be conducted to determine the identity of the person,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
