SAPS pays homage to drowned KZN police diver, over 30 police officers affected by flooding
Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara was conducting a search in the Msunduzi river for three victims that had drowned earlier in the week, when she got into difficulty and drowned.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Fannie Masemola has paid tribute to the late Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara, who drowned as a result of the Kwa-Zulu Natal floods.
Mjwara's rescue dog, Leah, also passed away in the incident on Sunday morning.
"Mjwara was conducting a search in the Msunduzi river for three victims that had drowned earlier in the week, when she got into difficulty and drowned. The member was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was sadly declared dead on arrival," says the police's Athlenda Mathe .
In addition, another police officer, Constable Thandazile Sithole, who was attached to the Durban Central Police Station, died when her home collapsed on her earlier this week.
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"At least thirty police officers have been affected by the floods with some injured and the majority displaced after their homes were washed away," adds Mathe.
On Saturday, the National Commissioner led a delegation of senior managers from the Visible Policing and Operational Service Division where they spent the day assessing the organizations operational response, in providing support to the Ethekwini District.
Additional members and resources from the SAPS Search and Rescue (SAR) units in neighbouring provinces have been roped in to bolster search and rescue operations.
The SAPS Airwing, K9 and police diving units as well as front line officers have formed part of governments coordinated and concerted efforts to strengthen support to affected areas.
