North West floods claims life of child
A 12-year-old child has died after being swept away by flash floods in Taung in the North West.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon while the child was playing outside during heavy rains.
Her lifeless body was found was later recovered by police divers.
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District is one of worst affected regions in the province.
The floods have affected several villages and collapsed local bridges disconnecting the communities.
The N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman remains closed to traffic, while the N18 between Vryburg and Taung has since been reopened.
North West MEC for Community Safety Wessels Morweng has called on motorists to avoid flooded routes.
"Despite barricades and advisories, some drivers have ignored warnings and had to be rescued after becoming stranded. The department is urging road users to cooperate with law enforcement officers, who remain on duty around the clock in affected areas," the department said in a statement on Monday.
The South African Weather Service has warned that further rainfall is expected, which may worsen conditions.
