- A Mpumalanga informal trader drowned after being swept away by a flooded stream while attempting to retrieve her merchandise.
- Community members searched through the night before police divers recovered her body 5 km downstream.
- Authorities warn that Red Level 10 rainfall poses a critical risk to life across several municipalities.
Esther Amina Mathenjwa, 44, spent her last moments carrying her tools of trade through difficult conditions to earn an income, something she had done for years to survive.
On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, around 9pm, she was the first among a small group of residents to attempt crossing a flooded stream in Msholozi, near White River.
Mathenjwa, a well-known local informal trader, was carrying a large bucket she used daily to sell vetkoek at a nearby school. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the powerful current quickly turned fatal. When the water tore the bucket from her hands, she instinctively tried to retrieve it.
“In a desperate attempt to save her means of livelihood, she was overwhelmed by the force of the water and swept downstream,” Ndubane said. Within moments, the stream had claimed her life.
A night of searching and a grim recovery
As darkness settled and rain continued to fall, community members launched a desperate overnight search, combing the area under dangerous and turbulent conditions. Their efforts, driven by hope and familiarity with the terrain, continued until morning, but Mathenjwa could not be found.
On Thursday, 15 January 2026, the police Diving Unit joined the search. Her body was eventually recovered approximately 5km from where she was last seen, confirming the worst fears of those who had spent the night looking for her. Police have since opened an inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Red Level 10 warning raises alarm
Mathenjwa’s death comes amid escalating weather warnings, with the South African Weather Service issuing a Red Level 10 alert for disruptive rainfall expected over the next 24 to 48 hours. Forecasts indicate between 100 mm and 200 mm of additional rain, with the risk to life described as critically high.
High-risk areas include the City of Mbombela, Nkomazi, and Bushbuckridge Local Municipalities, as well as Maruleng, Ba-Phalaborwa, Greater Giyani, Greater Tzaneen, Greater Letaba, and Collins Chabane. The SA has warned of lethal, fast-flowing rivers and streams, flooding of bridges and low-lying crossings, widespread infrastructure damage, and the displacement of communities.
Mpumalanga police Acting Commissioner Major-General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi extended condolences to Mathenjwa’s family and community, while issuing a stark warning to residents across the province.
“Members of the public are urged not to underestimate the strength of flowing water,” Mkhwanazi said. “It can be extremely dangerous and life threatening. We appeal to the community to remain extremely vigilant during these heavy rains.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid all low-lying crossings and to follow official weather updates closely as Red Level 10 conditions persist.
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