The search is ongoing for City of Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, who went missing after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters in Chokwé, Mozambique.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed on Sunday that Mngwevu remains missing following the incident.
“Based on information received through official diplomatic and security channels, the City can confirm the following facts known thus far,” the City said in a statement.
“MMC Mngwevu had travelled to the Chokwé area in Mozambique. A South African Rescue Mission deployed to Mozambique has established contact with one of the five individuals who were travelling in the vehicle at the time it was swept away. The status and whereabouts of MMC Mngwevu and the other occupants remain unconfirmed at this stage. The South African Mission is actively engaging 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.”
The City added that national authorities are exploring additional support mechanisms, including security and evacuation assistance as more information becomes available.
To assist in the rescue efforts, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed a search and rescue team on Sunday, 18 January 2026, including an Oryx helicopter of the South African Air Force.
The team landed successfully in Maputo and will operate alongside Mozambican emergency services as part of Operation CHARIOT. Additional air assets are scheduled to be deployed from South Africa to bolster the search mission.
“The aircraft and advance team will operate in cooperation with various emergency rescue teams as well as disaster management agencies of Mozambique as part of Operation CHARIOT,” the SANDF said.
The SANDF also continues to support flood-stricken communities across South Africa, evacuating residents stranded in Limpopo and Mpumalanga after two weeks of heavy rains caused severe flooding and rising water levels.
Authorities have urged the public to remain patient as rescue and recovery operations continue under challenging weather conditions.
Saturday Star