03/12/2025
Police in Apel under the Sekhukhune District have launched an intensive search operation following a drowning incident in which a 31-year-old male driver was swept away by a flooded river at Atok on Monday night, 01 December 2025, at around 21:30.
According to reports, a vehicle attempting to cross the river was swept away by strong currents. A male passenger managed to rescue himself and was taken to a local clinic where he received medical treatment and was later discharged.
A search operation was immediately activated involving Apel SAPS, SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, local security services, and mine personnel, including drone pilots, as well as EMS personnel. During the operation, the missing vehicle was located; however, due to dangerous weather conditions and rising water levels, rescuers were unable to reach it. The search was suspended for safety reasons and resumed the following morning. The vehicle was successfully retrieved, but the 31-year-old driver remained missing.
The SAPS Search and Rescue Unit and other supporting teams have been continuing with the search to locate the missing man. Efforts remain ongoing.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her appreciation to all role-players for their commitment and teamwork under challenging conditions.
âWe extend our gratitude to every stakeholder who has been working tirelessly since this tragic incident. We urge community members to exercise extreme caution when approaching or attempting to cross rivers, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding,â said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
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