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The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that MMC for Roads and Transport, Andile Mngwevu, has gone missing in Mozambique after the vehicle he was travelling in was swept away by floodwaters.
The Situation Report (Jan 18, 2026)
The Incident: Mngwevu was traveling with four others in a vehicle that was swept away while attempting to navigate the flooded Chokwé region. The area has been severely impacted by "cut-off low" weather systems and massive dam discharges.
One Survivor Found: A South African rescue mission deployed to the site has successfully established contact with one of the five occupants. The survivor is reported to be in good health and is currently being moved to the South African consulate.
Status Unconfirmed: As of Sunday morning, the status and whereabouts of MMC Mngwevu and the three remaining occupants remain unknown. Search and rescue teams from both South Africa and Mozambique are actively combing the affected riverine areas.
Government Response: The Office of the Executive Mayor has been in constant contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Mngwevu’s spouse arrived in Mozambique on Saturday night to be briefed on the search efforts.
Regional Context: Southern Mozambique is currently facing a humanitarian crisis, with over 80,000 people exposed to flood risks and several communities cut off by overflowing rivers. Authorities have warned that the ground is completely saturated, making further flooding likely.
