Mongezi Koko11 June 2025 | 9:05

3 more bodies pulled from river in Decoligny, near Mthatha

On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying thirteen learners, two other passengers, and the driver.

3 more bodies pulled from river in Decoligny, near Mthatha

A school jersey is seen near the Cicira River in Decoligny, just outside Mthatha, where a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers, and the driver. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN

DECOLIGNY - Search teams have pulled three more bodies from the Cicira River in Decoligny, just outside Mthatha, on Wednesday morning.

The region, like much of the Eastern Cape, has endured days of torrential rain and flash floods.

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On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers, and the driver.

Two of the three bodies discovered on the riverbank were children, with forensics officials working to formally identify the bodies. 

Of the parents and neighbours who were helping scour the area, two were mothers whose children were on that bus.

The community joined provincial search and rescue teams, who deployed helicopters and dogs to sweep the river as it slowly receded.