Four people drown after vehicle swept away in Makotopong

Four people have drowned after their vehicle was swept away by an overflowing stream in Makotopong, outside Polokwane in Limpopo, on Sunday.

The bodies of two men and two women were later retrieved by police divers together with the Polokwane Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Department.

ALSO READ: Driver swept away by flooded river in Atok

It is understood that the victims were attempting to cross a low-lying bridge that had been flooded when their vehicle was swept away by the strong current.

Limpopo saw several drowning incidents after as heavy flooding caused havoc earlier this year. Heavy rains have battered various parts of the province, damaging homes, roads and bridges.

Recent floods also saw the Limpopo Department of Education take a precautionary decision to keep a number of schools in the Vhembe region closed. This follows sustained heavy rainfall over the weekend.

ALSO READ: Some schools in Vhembe to remain closed

This is after several schools within the Vhembe East and West Education Districts remain inaccessible.

The department says learners at some of the affected schools rely on scholar transport, which is currently unable to operate due to the persistent rainfall.

Parents are urged to remain vigilant and to notify school principals immediately if their routes to school become inaccessible.