Mpumalanga — Police have recovered the bodies of two women who were swept away by fast-moving water in the Klein Olifants River, Mpumalanga, while the search for a third missing woman is still under way.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Sunday that “two bodies of women who were swept away by the rapid flowing water were retrieved today, 08/12, from the Klein Olifants River.”
The incident occurred after heavy rains caused dangerous water levels in the area.
Initial police reports indicated that two women had been missing, but family members later clarified that three women had disappeared in the river.
#sapsMP [UPDATE] Two bodies of women who were swept away by the rapid flowing water were retrieved today, 08/12, from the Klein Olifants River.
According to family members, the number of women who went #missing was three, not two.
Three women were rescued yesterday, 07/12, and… https://t.co/4OT16iQPsC pic.twitter.com/8izkgKAORB
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 8, 2025
“According to family members, the number of women who went missing was three, not two,” SAPS said.
Police added that three women had been rescued on Saturday.
“Three women were rescued yesterday, 07/12, and police are still searching for the third missing person,” the statement read.
Rescue teams, including divers, continued combing the river late Sunday. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of swollen rivers and exercise caution in flood-prone areas.
Police say updates will be provided as the search continues.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
