Search intensified for SANDF soldier swept away during Christmas Day border operation

The search for a missing member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) continued on Sunday, following the Christmas Day tragedy in which a military vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river during border control operations in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga.

Two SANDF members were swept away when their patrol vehicle was caught by strong currents in a flooded section of the Komati River during Operation Corona, the SANDF’s ongoing border safeguarding mission.

The body of one soldier was recovered, while the second member remains missing.

Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the search effort is ongoing.

“The search for the missing SANDF member is continuing. This is a collaborative effort whereby the search and rescue team is working together to ensure that the missing member is found.”

Mdhluli confirmed that on Friday, police divers had retrieved the body of one SANDF member from the river.

“The SAPS Divers managed to retrieve the body of one SANDF member from the Komati River in Komatipoort, on December 26, 2025,” he said.

The multi-agency operation has included aerial and aquatic search resources.

“On the same day, the first chopper that started with the search was brought in by SANParks, followed by SANDF helicopter, then yesterday the SAPS chopper was brought in, and... Sunday, the chopper from Emergency Medical Services is the one flying,” Mdhluli said.

He added that technological apparatus, such as drones, is also being utilised.”

On Saturday, search teams recovered the SANDF patrol vehicle from the river.

“The SANDF bakkie was retrieved from the river where two rifles, a mobile phone and other items were found, but the missing SANDF member has not yet been found,” Mdhluli said.

He also acknowledged the support of the local community.

“The community is playing a crucial role where one member of the public used a crane to pull the SANDF bakkie out of the river,” he said.

The search, temporarily suspended on Saturday evening, resumed on Sunday morning, Mdhluli confirmed.

Cape Times