By Staff Reporter
THOHOYANDOU – The body of Lindelani Munyai (20) has been found five days after he was reportedly swept away by the overflowing Mutale River in Limpopo.
The discovery was confirmed after SAPS Search and Rescue teams located his body in the same river on Sunday evening in the Makuya policing area. The body was found in a partially decomposed state.
According to preliminary reports, Lindelani was walking with his father, Takalani Munyai, from Tshitavha Village to Mangaya Village on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, when they attempted to cross the Mutale River between Mangaya and Tshanzhe villages.
While the father managed to cross safely, Lindelani was unable to make it through the strong, overflowing waters and reportedly held onto a tree branch in an attempt to save himself.
His father then went to Mangaya Village to seek help. However, upon returning with assistance, Lindelani was nowhere to be found, prompting an extensive search operation.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the SAPS Search and Rescue teams, Emergency Medical Services, and Disaster Management teams for their tireless efforts under extremely difficult conditions.
She urged members of flood-affected communities to prioritise their safety, warning that floodwaters during rainy conditions are unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
The Provincial Commissioner has also extended her condolences to the Munyai family, friends, and all families who have lost loved ones as a result of the severe flooding currently affecting the province.
