SANDF Joins Search for Missing Ekurhuleni MMC in Flood-Ravaged Mozambique
Maputo – As rescue efforts intensify in Mozambique following devastating floods, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has deployed two Oryx helicopters to assist in search-and-rescue operations. These efforts include the search for a missing Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC).
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed to Sowetan that the deployment was prompted by a request for assistance from the air force, with paperwork finalised yesterday morning. "The helicopters are there to assist Mozambique in all their needs during this time," he stated.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has also confirmed that its team is providing consular assistance to the family of Andile Mngwevu, the Ekurhuleni MMC for Roads and Transport Management, as well as others who were swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique.
Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela explained that the South African High Commission in Maputo has determined that the incident involving Mngwevu occurred in Chokwé, a town in the Gaza province, approximately two hours north of Maputo.
According to Monyela, the High Commission has made contact with the sole survivor who managed to escape the vehicle at the time of the incident. There were five people in the vehicle, and the status of the remaining four individuals, including MMC Mngwevu, is currently unconfirmed.
Monyela further stated that the SANDF helicopters will be deployed to assist with the search-and-rescue operation, with one helicopter assigned to Maputo province and the other to Gaza province, where the incident involving the MMC took place.
Bongani Mfobela, a spokesperson for the Mngwevu family, expressed his distress over the situation. He requested to speak to Sowetan after Mngwevu’s wife returned home.
Phakamile Mbengashe, the City of Ekurhuleni’s head of communications, said that based on information received through official diplomatic and security channels, Mngwevu had travelled to the Chokwé area. The South African mission is actively engaging with local Mozambican authorities and emergency services in the affected area.
"The office of the executive mayor, working with national government, has facilitated support to MMC Mngwevu’s spouse, who arrived in Mozambique last night. National authorities are also exploring additional support mechanisms, including security and evacuation assistance, as further information becomes available," Mbengashe said.
Mbengashe confirmed that search and verification efforts are ongoing, and the city remains in close contact with Dirco and other relevant national structures. The focus remains on locating the missing MMC and providing support to his family during this difficult time.
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