The MEC for Co-operative Governance in the province Nomusa Dube-Ncube has extended condolences to families of three teenagers aged 14, 17 and 18 who were swept away by floods at uMlalazi near Eshowe north of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon.
Reports suggest that the teenagers from Ndlongolwane High School were attempting to cross the flooding Matimofu River when they were swept away.
This comes after heavy rains, especially in the north-eastern parts of the province, since Tuesday. Department spokesperson Lennox Mabaso has urged residents in affected areas such as King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude and Zululand Districts to stay away from rivers and streams.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is urging residents in all the parts of the province to heed weather warnings because the rain is continuing to fall in districts such as King Ceshwayo, Umkhanyakude, Durban and other parts of the province. We extend our heart felt condolences to the families. We wish them strength at this point in time. We continue to advice all our citizens that they must exercise extra caution and care at home and in or on roads. They must minimise their movements. “
