A 15-year-old boy has become the latest victim of the fierce storms that have ravaged the Moretele Local Municipality in the North West over the recent weeks.

The boy, from Ruigtesloot Village, lost his life after he was swept away while swimming in a swollen river with his five friends.

The municipality's spokesperson, Mothupi Malebye, said the other five boys were fortunate to escape the rising waters.

"The boy's lifeless body was recovered on Tuesday by the disaster management and pathology team," said Malebye.

Meanwhile, Northam Platinum Mine workers who commute on the Ruigtesloot Sea Mine Road have been forced to take an alternative route via Bela Bela, adding an extra 120km to their journey before reaching their workplace in Northam.

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Adding to the tragedy, Malebye said a pensioner lost his life in a neighbouring village when his home was flooded, despite the valiant efforts of municipal emergency services who managed to rescue his wife, who is also pensioner.

Malebye said the storm's ferocity has also led to the collapse of essential infrastructure, including the Thulare High School and Ruigtesloot bridges.

In light of these tragedies, Mayor Masango George, plans to conduct a site visit to the affected areas on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 9am.

"The visit will start at 09:00 and will cover Mathibestad RDP, Tlholoe, Gahabedi, and Ruigtesloot," added Malebye.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the National Department of Human Settlements suggested that they build differently and build in different areas following heavy rains and flooding that claimed the lives of at least 20 people.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane is in KZN to discuss various human settlement interventions with the provincial and local spheres following the recent and ongoing floods in the province.

The heavy rains and flooding led to the deaths, destruction of infrastructure and houses, leaving people homeless and displaced.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL News

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