The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that its Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport Management, Councillor Andile Mngwevu, is missing after a vehicle in which he was travelling was swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique.
In a media advisory issued on Saturday night, the City said the incident occurred in the Chokwé area, which has been severely affected by flooding following heavy rains in parts of the country. Authorities are still working to verify the status and whereabouts of Councillor Mngwevu and other occupants of the vehicle.
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe said information received through official diplomatic and security channels indicates that five people were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident. A South African rescue mission deployed to Mozambique has since managed to establish contact with one of the occupants.
“Search and verification efforts are ongoing. At this stage, the status of Councillor Mngwevu and the remaining occupants remains unconfirmed,” Mbengashe said. “The South African mission is working closely with Mozambican authorities and local emergency services in the affected area.”
The Office of the Executive Mayor, in collaboration with national government, has facilitated support for Mngwevu’s spouse, who travelled to Mozambique on Saturday evening after learning of the incident. National authorities are also exploring additional support measures, including security and possible evacuation assistance, as more information becomes available.
According to a reliable source close to the family, the news of the disappearance has been devastating. “The family is shattered after learning about what happened. We are keeping him and the entire family in our prayers during this extremely difficult time,” the source said.
The City said it remains in constant contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other relevant national structures to ensure coordinated support and information-sharing. Further updates will be communicated through official channels as soon as facts are confirmed.
The incident comes amid deadly flooding in parts of Mozambique. African Times reported that at least 27 people have died due to heavy rains affecting the central province of Manica, according to updated figures released on Saturday afternoon. Most of the deaths were caused by lightning strikes and people being swept away by floodwaters.
The worst-affected districts include Chimoio, Gondola, Sussundenga, Vanduzi and Macate. The figures were disclosed during a meeting of the Emergency Operations Committee, attended by Mozambique’s Minister of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Fernando Rafael, who is on a working visit to the province.
The City of Ekurhuleni has appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy of the Mngwevu family and to refrain from speculation as search efforts continue.
