The body of the sixth victim has been recovered following a 12-day search after a vehicle was swept off a flooded bridge in uMsinga, bringing closure to grieving families.. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Kwa-Zulu Natal — After nearly two weeks of anguish, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has confirmed the recovery of the sixth and final victim following the devastating uMsinga bridge incident.
The 12-day search and recovery operation came to an end on Monday when a multidisciplinary team located the body of a man in the eMakhabeleni area within the uMvoti Local Municipality.
Authorities noted that due to the time the victim spent in the water, a formal DNA process will be required to positively confirm his identity.
The tragedy unfolded nearly two weeks ago at the Imfenebude bridge on the P17 in eNadi, uMsinga, when six people were swept away while travelling in a bakkie. The driver had attempted to cross a low-lying bridge during heavy flooding, caused by persistent rains.
Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi commended the tireless efforts of rescue teams, including the South African Police Service Search and Rescue unit and Disaster Management teams from both uMsinga and uMvoti.
“The recovery of the last missing person has concluded the search effort. All individuals have now been accounted for, and families may begin the next steps in their healing process,” said Buthelezi.
The operation, coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, remained active on-site since the vehicle was first reported missing, highlighting the scale and intensity of the search.
Buthelezi also extended his deepest condolences to the grieving families, acknowledging the patience and cooperation shown by the community during the emotionally taxing wait for answers.
While the recovery brings a measure of closure, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by flooded low-water bridges — particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. with rising living costs.
