Body of woman discovered in Pinetown, KZN

JOHANNESBURG - A woman’s body has been recovered in Pinetown, eThekwini on Friday morning.

This follows flooding in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Emergency services say she was swept away in her car during heavy downpours last night. 

Attempts to rescue her were unsuccessful due to the strong current in the stream on the road.

The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 6 warning for severe rainfall in the province.

Last month, at least 22 people died in KwaZulu-Natal due to severe flooding that has left a trail of destruction in parts of the city.

Moreover, some roads remain closed and disaster teams continue their mop-up operations. 

Trees and other debris have been swept into the streets, creating blockades for motorists.  

Advance Life Support's Garrith Jamieson says they found the woman's body after receiving calls from residents.

“This is the incident that we were looking for last night, where it was reported that two vehicles were swept away but it was indeed one. Unfortunately, this morning, in the early hours, rescuers and the eThekwini Fire Department made their way to Gordhan Road where there was a sighting of the vehicle and unfortunately, the female believed to be in her 50s had sustained fatal injuries.” 

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal emergency services are on standby to assist residents affected by floods.

The Transport and Human Settlement MEC's spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, has called on residents to remain vigilant.

“Well, in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal, especially in Nqutu, the roads are also slippery, so we are requesting motorists to be extra careful on the road. Keep the lights on and ensure that they keep the following distance. There are reports of houses that have been flooded.

“The MEC has assigned the roving team from Human Settlements to be on standby and ensure that those that may need assistance are assisted.”

Operations will continue throughout Friday morning.