What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into a period of mourning as heavy rains and flash floods claimed the lives of at least three people across the province on New Year’s Day.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that while three bodies have been recovered, the SAPS Diving Unit is still searching for a fourth individual who is presumed to have drowned.

The flooding, triggered by intense summer rainfall, led to four separate incidents involving residents attempting to navigate swollen rivers and flooded bridges.

Louisville, Nkomazi: Teenager swept away

The first fatality involved a 19-year-old male in Louisville. After spending the evening of January 1 with his brothers at a local tavern, the young man set off alone for home at approximately 21:00.

Police believe he attempted to cross a river but was overwhelmed by the powerful current.

His body was discovered by community members the following morning and was officially certified dead by emergency responders.

Barberton: Vehicle overwhelmed by water

In a harrowing incident at approximately 23:00 along Lilly Mine Road, a red-and-blue Toyota Condor carrying three passengers was swept off a bridge by rising floodwaters.

While the two male occupants managed to escape the submerged vehicle, a female passenger was unable to get out in time. Her body was located on January 2 and was later identified by her family at the scene.

Middelburg: Teenager drowns near RDP houses

Earlier on New Year’s evening, around 19:20, a group of teenagers in Middelburg attempted to cross toward a newly built RDP housing development. During the attempt, a teenage girl was swept away.

Despite a swift response from the Fire Department and police divers, she was certified dead at the scene.

Her body has been moved to Forensic Pathology Services for further investigation, and an inquest has been opened.

Search continues for missing 27-year-old

In Ekulindeni, near Nhlazatshe, the search remains underway for a 27-year-old man who disappeared at approximately 18:00 on January 1.

Witnesses say the man tried to cross a flooded bridge between Nhlaba and the Manaar area when he was pulled away by the overflowing water.

Although local community members launched an immediate search, they were unable to find him. The Mpumalanga SAPS Diving Unit is continuing operations to recover the missing man.

Official safety warning

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as heavy rains continue to affect the province.

“We strongly advise residents to avoid crossing any bridges or rivers when water levels are high.

The currents are deceptively strong and can overpower even the strongest swimmers or heavy vehicles,” warned Ndubane.