Johannesburg – Ekurhuleni’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, remains missing after the vehicle he was traveling in was swept away by floodwaters in Chokwé, southern Mozambique.
The incident occurred amid severe flooding affecting southern Africa, with South African authorities coordinating search efforts alongside Mozambican forces.
Rescue operations intensified Sunday, involving South African National Defence Force (SANDF) helicopters dispatched to the Gaza Province area.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations confirmed the deployment of SANDF helicopters to aid the hunt for Mngwevu and three others from the mayoral delegation.
SABC News Radio reported: “The City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Roads and Transport Management, Andile Mngwevu is missing after his vehicle was reportedly swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique’s Chokwé area.”
[COMING UP] The City of Ekurhuleni’s MMC for Roads and Transport Management, Andile Mngwevu is missing after his vehicle was reportedly swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique’s Chokwé area.#sabcnews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/vWHeQnLWot
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 19, 2026
Channel Africa echoed: “South Africa’s Department of International Relations says it has sent SANDF helicopters to help look for the missing Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu who has gone missing in Mozambique. Mngwevu and other three people went missing in Chokwe Mozambique, after their vehicle was swept away by floods.”
[News]
South Africa’s Department of International Relations says it has sent SANDF helicopters to help look for the missing Ekurhuleni MMC Andile Mngwevu who has gone missing in Mozambique. Mngwevu and other three people went missing in Chokwe Mozambique, after their vehicle was…
— Channel Africa (@channelafrica1) January 19, 2026
Official Responses and Family Support
Ekurhuleni officials held urgent meetings to coordinate resources, with Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza addressing the crisis. The city urged respect for the family’s privacy, noting support has been extended to Mngwevu’s spouse who arrived in Mozambique.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the City said.
The disappearance ties into ongoing floods that prompted South Africa to declare a national disaster, with dozens dead and thousands displaced across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Mozambique.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
