By Staff Reporter
MASHISHIMALE – Emotional scenes unfolded along the Selati River bank as community members of Mashishimale gathered to sing and pray, appealing to higher powers for help in finding two teenagers who were swept away by floodwaters on Sunday, 18 January.
The missing youths have been identified as Mathlatse Shai (15) and Tshepo Shai (17). According to reports, the teenagers were playing near the river banks when rising water levels and strong currents swept them into the river.
Family members, friends and residents came together in prayer, hoping for a breakthrough as the search continues. One of the boys’ friends, who witnessed the incident, said he attempted to rescue them but was overpowered by the strong current.
SAPS Search and Rescue divers have since temporarily suspended operations, citing dangerously high water levels. The search is expected to resume once the river subsides and conditions become safer.
Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that the number of flood-related fatalities has risen to 18, with five people still reported missing across affected areas.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHTA), Basikopo Makamu, has extended his condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities, urging residents to avoid rivers and flooded areas as heavy rains continue.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public to prioritise safety and to heed weather and disaster management warnings during this period of severe weather.
