All motorists stuck in snow have been accounted for – department

The KZN government has confirmed that all motorists stranded due to severe weather and snowstorms have been accounted for.

“We are pleased to announce that all stranded motorists have been rescued and accounted for,” said Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

The Witness reports that the provincial government has urged citizens to exercise caution amid the ongoing heavy snowfall and rain. Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers have been dispatched to assist motorists navigating dangerous roads.

“The RTI and Provincial Emergency Services have been deployed to help stranded motorists. These teams are working tirelessly to ensure safe passage and provide necessary assistance. The Municipal Parks Department is also on standby to remove tree debris from affected roads,” said Buthelezi.

KZN acting Premier Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa highlighted the collaborative efforts of disaster management teams involving SAPS, SANDF, SANRAL, N3TC, RTMC, Agriculture and Rural Development, and COGTA, both nationally and provincially.

Meanwhile, according to SANews, national government announced late last night that all roads affected by the recent snowstorm, including the N3 Toll Route, have now reopened. Key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KZN, and the Eastern Cape are now accessible.

“The backlog of traffic between KZN and the Free State has been cleared. Motorists are advised to resume their travels on Monday, September 24,” the government said. However, road users are cautioned to drive carefully as some roads remain slippery, and visibility is still limited due to weather conditions.

The government expressed gratitude to all citizens, emergency services, government entities, humanitarian organisations, and stakeholders for their support during this period.

Tragically, a 39-year-old woman died on Saturday after being trapped in a blizzard that engulfed the N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass, which connects KZN and the Free State.

The government encouraged the public to stay informed by tuning in to local radio stations and following government social media pages for updates.