Three people have been killed while one person is still missing following heavy downpours in the Eastern Cape. The deceased were reported missing on Thursday from Rhole village in Lusikisiki under the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality and it was suspected that they had drowned. On Friday two of the missing people's bodies were recovered ,  Asenathi Mkawusi (24) and Fumanekile Mantshubaqa (53). However, the police divers are continuing to search for the third person, 42-year-old Mhlabunzima Sikhathele.  

BADLY AFFECTED 

O.R Tambo District Municipality mayor Thokozile Sokanyile on Saturday confirmed that three local municipalities had been seriously affected by the floods, Ingquza Hill, King Sabata Dalindyebo, and Port St John's being the worst affected. The heavy downpours have left a trail of destruction to infrastructure, households, and businesses. Zimkhita Macingwane, O.R. Tambo District Municipality spokesperson, said floods damaged infrastructure, homes and businesses. "In Port St Johns, 10 bridges have been washed away, making it difficult for the community members to reach their various destinations, including schools. The O.R. Tambo Disaster and Risk Management teams continue to assess the extent of the damages," said Macingwane.  

 DAMAGE CONTROL 

Eastern Cape department of transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said:" Clean-up operations are under way; teams have been brought in to clean some of the mud that has sledged towards the road. We couldn't do that on Friday because our engineers deemed it dangerous and too risky that it may cause a further collapse of the road," said Bingose. He added that on Saturday they were given a heads up to proceed with the clean-up. "We are asking road users to be patient when there are mudslides. There are people who are controlling, so we are asking for patience," said Bingose.