The Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration, Mr Collins Chabane, last Thursday visited the bereaved family who lost three family members in the floods near Pondrift last week.

They were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in plunged into a stream after a bridge was swept away by the heavy rains on the Pontdrif road.

Ms Nomathemba Sibanda (22) lost her husband, Hendrick Malithuba (46) and her children Thapelo (2) and Thabo (1) in  the accident. Mr Malithuba's body was later found about 500m from the scene of the accident. The bodies of the children were recovered about 2km away from the accident scene, after the search-and-rescue team spent four sleepless days and nights.

The minister also visited the spots where the bodies of the children were recovered.

Chabane passed heartfelt condolences and sympathised with the family on behalf of the government. The minister was also in Musina to get firsthand information and to establish the facts on the damage caused by the recent floods at the border town. He expressed sincere gratitude to the search-and-rescue team for the manner in which it had handled the search for the missing two children.

He further commended the Musina municipality for showing leadership during the difficult period. “We are here to reiterate our commitment and to pledge Government’s support to the family during this period of mourning. Government has been providing counselling through social workers to the family as well as providing assistance with the burial needs of the family,” said Chabane.

The minister was received well by the family, who expressed their appreciation during this difficult time. He was met by family representatives and elders who thanked the government and the local municipality for ensuring that the funeral service of the deceased was organized with dignity. Meanwhile, the three family members will be buried tomorrow (Saturday) at Musina (Mshongoville) at 06:00.

The minister also visited members of the joint operational committee (JOC) at the Musina SAPS. The committee was responsible for coordinating all the activities relating to the matter of flood disasters.