EC Floods: Another body discovered near Mthatha River
The latest body, believed to be a young child, was found near a steep embankment in Mount Pleasant, west of Mthatha.
Eastern Cape EMS personnel recover a body on 24 June 2025, following flooding in the province earlier in the month. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN
MTHATHA - Another body has been discovered near the Mthatha River as search operations continue in areas devastated by June’s heavy floods in the Eastern Cape.
This brings the death toll to 101.
The latest body, believed to be a young child, was found near a steep embankment in Mount Pleasant, west of Mthatha.
ALSO READ: EC flooding death toll hits 100 mark
Forensic experts and teams from aid organisation Gift of the Givers are on the ground as the extensive search operation continues.
The scene is grim as dozens of community members stand by silently on a ridge above the river, watching as teams in wetsuits and reflective vests work below.
The body was found caught in debris at the base of the embankment, where the torrent carried rubble, branches and mud from the hill above.
Shoes, clothes and school bags still litter the path leading down to the water as forensic personnel examine the scene.
A defence force helicopter has been circling overhead since Tuesday morning as part of a broader aerial search effort to locate those still missing.
Officials said the body is yet to be formally identified and that investigations into who it may be and how far the person was swept are underway.