JOHANNESBURG – December 30, 2023: The devastating Ladysmith floods on Christmas Eve have left a KwaZulu-Natal family mourning the loss of seven loved ones, as the death toll rises to 22. Vincent Msimango, his wife, two children, brother, niece, and nephew lost their lives after their vehicle was swept into a river.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KZN reported that, as of Friday, 22 bodies had been recovered, while an unconfirmed number of victims remain missing.

Zipho Khubeka, the Msimango family spokesperson, shared the tragic sequence of events leading to the family’s untimely demise.

“They were in a vehicle, a Ford Ranger, around 10:30 pm. They were facing Ladysmith on the N11. They crossed the bridge. Unfortunately for them, the water was full after the bridge.”

Despite the heartbreak, Khubeka expressed the family’s gratitude for the support received during the challenging time.

“We are grateful to the community, we are grateful to the volunteers, we are grateful to every member of SAPS, K9 unit, dog unit, everyone.”

Search and rescue teams are set to resume their efforts on Saturday to locate those still missing. The community continues to come together in solidarity, offering support to those affected by the tragic events in Ladysmith.