Eastern Cape flooding death toll climbs
After 17 days of painstaking searches through fast-flowing water and debris, police in the province confirmed they’d recovered more bodies from the Mthatha River.
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 - The acting Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Thandiswa Kupiso, has confirmed the flood death toll in the province has risen to at least 105, following the recovery of more bodies from rivers near Mthatha.
Some of the latest victims are children who’d been missing for over two weeks.
It’s believed they were onboard a 22-seater scholar transport minibus that was swept away in Decoligny village.
Thirteen children, a driver and an adult passenger were on board; five people survived, while the bodies of the rest were recovered over the last few days.
After 17 days of painstaking searches through fast-flowing water and debris, police in the province confirmed they’d recovered more bodies from the Mthatha River.
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The discovery brings some closure to families who’ve been waiting in agony since the tragedy unfolded earlier this month.
Kupiso said police will continue search operations in other flood-ravaged communities, as the province’s official death toll now stands at 105.
“The last figure that I know of is 105, then the statement is often released by the premier to say that now we are standing at whatever figure.”
Meanwhile, more than 4,700 people remain displaced, and the Eastern Cape government says temporary housing could take months to complete.