Body of child discovered on riverbank along Mangosuthu Highway
Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have launched an urgent appeal to locate the family of a young girl whose body was recovered from the banks of the Umlazi River on 12 April 2022. The child, estimated to be approximately five years old, was found at around 13:00 along the Mangosuthu Highway stretch of the waterway.
Bhekithemba police officers are leading the search for relatives and believe the girl may have been swept away during the devastating floods that recently ravaged the Chatsworth and Welbedacht areas. Investigators suspect drowning as the likely cause of death.
"Police are urgently looking for the family of a little girl following the discovery of her body on 12 April 2022 at 13:00."
The child was found wearing strings around her waist and one on her hand, details which officers hope may assist family members or community members in identifying her. No further identifying features have been released at this stage.
Inquest docket opened as investigation continues
An inquest docket has been registered at the Bhekithemba police station as detectives work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the child's death. The investigation remains ongoing while officers await anyone with information to come forward.
The recent flooding across parts of Durban and surrounding communities claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction. Many victims were carried away by raging waters, leaving families desperate for answers about missing loved ones.
Anyone who may recognise the description of the child or who has information about a missing girl matching this account is urged to contact Bhekithemba police without delay. Community members in the Chatsworth and Welbedacht areas are particularly encouraged to assist officers in reuniting the child with her family so that she may be laid to rest with dignity.
KwaZulu-Natal's recurring flood disasters expose the vulnerability of communities living near rivers and floodplains, where inadequate drainage infrastructure and informal settlements amplify the human toll. The inability to immediately identify this child underscores how floods displace and separate families, straining already stretched emergency and forensic services. As climate patterns intensify seasonal rainfall across Durban and surrounding areas, investment in early warning systems, flood mitigation, and community preparedness will be critical to preventing further tragedies.
