Two bodies recovered after vehicle washed into Hennops River during weekend floods

Two bodies have been recovered after a vehicle was swept into the Hennops River during heavy rains and flash flooding over the weekend, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

Emergency services were alerted after reports that a vehicle had been caught in the swollen river near Centurion. Search and rescue teams, including police divers and disaster management personnel, were deployed to the scene and combed the river and surrounding banks after the vehicle was spotted in fast-moving water.

The operation culminated in the recovery of two bodies believed to be occupants of the vehicle. Police have not yet released the identities of the deceased as next of kin are being notified, and further investigations are under way.

Gauteng Emergency Medical Services said the flooding was caused by persistent heavy rainfall that has affected large parts of the province, leading to dangerous driving conditions and multiple weather-related incidents over the weekend.

Drivers were urged to exercise extreme caution during storms and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, with authorities warning that even shallow moving water can carry vehicles away.

Local communities expressed shock at the incident and called for increased public awareness about the risks of driving during severe weather. Disaster management officials reiterated that public safety must remain the priority during the peak of the rainy season.

Police said inquiries into the circumstances leading up to the vehicle entering the river are ongoing, and that charges could follow if any negligence is found.