Death toll in KZN floods revised down to 435

This after autopsies found that four people had died of gunshot wounds and nine others of natural causes.

Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed the latest figure at a security cluster media briefing on Thursday.

Earlier in the week the number of flood-related fatalities stood at 448 after torrential rains in the province left a trail of destruction.

The damage to property and infrastructure is estimated to run into billions of rands as the province continues with mop-up operations.  

Families across the province were left destitute, while dozens remain unaccounted for.

"As rescue and recovery efforts continue, more bodies are being recovered around Umzinyathi, Hammersdale, Reservoir Hills, Hamburg and Henley Dam areas," said Cele.

A national state of disaster was declared as the Eastern Cape also comes to grip with flood events.

Cele denied accusations by some of a lacklustre response by government.

"Over 4800 personnel were deployed to the KZN province to assist in emergency relief efforts, including over 3000 SAPS members inclusive of Visible Policing, Public Order Police, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team and SAPS Search and Rescue teams. These teams have been supported by over 900 KZN metro police personnel.

"Visible Police and Public Order Police have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent opportunistic crimes at identified areas in communities and business centres. These include Umlazi, KwaMashu, Pinetown and the Durban CBD and surroundings.

"Key national routes are also being monitored closely," Cele added.

The South African National Defence Force plans to deploy 10 000 troops gradually.