The man who was swept away by a river was finally found yesterday after a three day search. The body of Madoli Zungu from Ohhahheni Village was swept away on Monday when he tried to cross the Umhlathuzana River, outside Empangeni in the north of KwaZulu Natal, as he tried to save a cow. His body was recovered by the SAPS Search and Rescue Team on Wednesday.

SWEPT AWAY

Community leader Skhumbuzo Hlongwane, who was at the forefront of  the search, said that it was very sad for them to have found him dead. "We have been searching for his body since Monday and we were hoping that we will find him alive maybe away from where we found his clothes. His clothes showed that he had taken them off and tried to swim across the river to get a cow that was grazing on the other side. We suspect that the water was too heavy for him and took him," said Hlongwane.

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Hlongwane further said that they were grateful that they managed to find the body so that they can bury him. "It is a very sad moment for us as the community of Ohhahheni to be announcing the sad news to the public as they have been very helpful in assisting us to recover the body. We are grateful to each and every person who came forward during those heavy rains and assisted us in looking for him. We have since find closure and accept that it was God's will that he was going to depart this way. We are thankful to the whole community. May God bless them abundantly," he said. KZN SAPS spokesperson Liuetenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed the incident."An inquest docket is being investigated by Mtunzini SAPS after a body of a 40-year old man was found. The victim was reported missing on Monday, 13 March 2023 after he allegedly drowned. His body was found on Wednesday afternoon by police officers from search and rescue," she said.