Emergency teams are currently standing by at the swollen Hennops River, awaiting a break in dangerous conditions to search for two missing persons following a weekend of destructive rainfall across the city. The operation comes as Tshwane grapples with widespread damage to roads and infrastructure and confirms at least one storm-related fatality.
The search was initiated after the Tshwane Emergency Services Department received a call from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Sunday. Police were already at the river following a missing persons report. An official case has been opened, with the last known location of the missing individuals identified as the Hennops River area.
According to a spokesperson for Tshwane Emergency Services, swift water rescue teams were dispatched to search the river, specifically to rule out the possibility that a vehicle had been swept away by floodwaters.
“At this moment the water levels are very high. The current is quite strong,” the spokesperson said. “The teams are waiting for the water to subside before they can start the search.”
The mission faces imminent challenges due to ongoing severe weather. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow level warning for disruptive rain, expected to persist until late Monday night. The spokesperson confirmed the forecast would directly impact rescue efforts.
“Most definitely [it is] going to be affected because now you see the water levels will rise and it’s very difficult for teams to then start searching,” the spokesperson explained. Rescue personnel have been scouring the riverbanks in the interim, looking for any sign of the missing individuals or a vehicle.
Meanwhile, the city is assessing the toll from the persistent rains. In a separate incident, one person drowned in Olievenhoutbosch. Roads and infrastructure across the municipality have sustained significant damage.
Authorities are urging residents, particularly those in high-risk areas, to exercise extreme caution. The emergency services spokesperson outlined the communication protocol for such events, which involves sending public alerts and working with community leaders.
“We know that such disruptive rains will come with water accumulating very quickly. There might be hail and lightning,” the spokesperson said. “We are working also with community leaders around areas who also identify these problems, call us, and we ensure metro police are on scene to close the roads.”
For now, the search at the Hennops River remains on hold, with teams monitoring weather patterns and river levels closely, hoping for a window to safely resume their operation.