The search is still underway for Zanele Ndlela (28), from Ndwedwe, and Lungelo Bhonswayo, from the Eastern Cape, who went missing when heavy rains destroyed homes and roads in New Hanover in KZN on Sunday afternoon.

The Witness reports that official findings show that the devastation affected 108 households and 465 people, many of who are from Lesotho.

A total of 117 houses were affected — 50 partially damaged and 67 destroyed — leaving 79 people homeless.

uMshwathi Municipality mayor Mandla Zondi has vowed to stand with the families of the two victims swept away by raging floodwaters, saying the municipality will remain by their side until closure is found.

Speaking to The Witness on Wednesday, Zondi said they still have hope that the victims will be found.

The search-and-rescue team has promised they will not leave the area until the bodies are recovered. The community is also assisting, and we want to assure the families that they are not alone in this painful time.

Teams battle the heat

Sydney Govender, commander for the uMgungundlovu District Municipality Fire Department, said all available search-and-rescue teams began work at 08:30 on Wednesday.

“We have moved to the opposite side of the Injasuthi River, about a kilometre and a half downstream. The water is subsiding, which helps, but the extreme heat is making conditions very challenging,” said Govender.

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