Durban — A man who was reported missing during KwaZulu-Natal’s snowstorm was found at a hospital and believed to have died from hypothermia.

Brad Nathanson of Brad Nathanson Investigations shared a post titled “MISSING SINCE THE SNOW IN KZN 20 September 2024”.

Nathanson said Wayne Claude Bhengu, 34, caught an Intercity bus from Pretoria to Durban. The bus got trapped in the snow in Estcourt.

Bhengu alighted the bus to have a smoke and did not return to the bus. He had not been seen since. Wayne was likely wearing a black Nike tracksuit and is fully tattooed.

On Monday, Nathanson he received a call from a person saying he knew where Bhengu was and would give up the information for R50k. He could however not provide proof of life.

He also received a call from the same man telling him he had information on Alize Van Der Merwe.

“It is all rubbish and just another form of extortion. These monsters have no shame. Loved ones are hurting and in some instances, out of desperation, are paying these extortionists in a bid to get the victims back. Do not be fooled by these zombies,” Nathanson said.

The extortionist’s number is 082 845 0974 or 071 458 5427.

“Having spoken to this person who calls himself Detective James, I conclude that he is calling from a call centre or a prison,” Nathanson said.

In a later update, Nathanson said: “We are saddened to inform you that this office has received word that Wayne Claude Bhengu is deceased. Preliminary suggestions are that he may have died due to hypothermia.

“Our sincere condolences go out to friends and family at this time.”

Bhengu was found at Estcourt Hospital.

Trevor Mbuyazi said: “My former colleague at M&B Engineering tjooo I can’t believe this.”

Caz Alexander said: “R.I.P Wayne. My heart is so broken. You were one awesome guy and an amazing friend. Till we meet again. Rest easy G.”

East Coast transformations said: “This man was such a legend…”

Jace Schafer said: “Rest in peace brother.”

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed the death of one person due to inclement weather.

Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi extended his condolences to the family of Nozibele Nzonzo, 39, who died on Saturday after being exposed to extreme cold while stuck in a taxi caught in the snowstorm.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga extended her heartfelt condolences to the families victims affected by the adverse weather conditions that impacted parts of the Free State and KZN provinces over the weekend.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that a woman lost her life to hypothermia due to these unprecedented weather conditions. She was a passenger in a taxi travelling from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal,” Chikunga said.

The minister commended the exemplary selflessness and solidarity shown by South Africans who came to each other’s aid in life-threatening circumstances.

Chikunga said South Africa is experiencing unusual climate change-related incidents, marked by an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and rising mortality rates. The severity of these events continues to disproportionately affect marginalised communities ‒ those who often lack the resources to cope ‒ most of whom are women and persons with disabilities.

While this is a global phenomenon, the impact of climate challenge-related disasters is not uniform. Recent research published by the World Bank shows that “across the globe, women and persons with disabilities experience mortality rates up to four times higher in natural disasters than those without”.

“We express our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, and we urge all South Africans to closely monitor weather reports to avoid areas projected to experience extreme weather conditions,” Chikunga said.

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