Three Rescued, Two Missing at Middelburg Dam

A routine day of prayer turned into a devastating incident at Middelburg Dam on Sunday afternoon, when six women were swept away by rapidly rising waters. Three were rescued by the Mpumalanga Police Search and Rescue Team, while two remain missing.

According to police, the group had gathered to pray along the Klein Olifants River near Towers Bridge on the old Belfast Road. At around 13:00, one of the women noticed the water level rising dangerously fast. Her companions were already overwhelmed by the strong current and dragged downstream.

Three of the women managed to cling to nearby tree branches while awaiting help. Police Search and Rescue personnel responded swiftly and were able to bring the women to safety. Sadly, two women could not be located, and the search was later suspended due to deteriorating weather conditions. Efforts will resume on Monday, 8 December 2025.

Police are urging the public to exercise extreme caution around rivers and dams during the rainy season, emphasising that rapidly changing water levels can pose life-threatening risks.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, assured the public that the search for the missing women will continue. He also appealed to communities to remain vigilant and avoid areas that may be dangerous during heavy rains.