A search operation was still underway on Sunday evening for Saag Jonker after his brown Toyota Land Cruiser was swept away while crossing a low-water bridge over the flooded Olifants River near Oudtshoorn.
According to the Jonker family, the incident happened at around 13:00 on September 27, about 3 km outside Oudtshoorn.
Jonker had completed his usual rounds and inspections on farms that morning and was on his way home when the incident happened.
The family said a comprehensive search operation was launched shortly afterwards, with divers, drones and an AMS helicopter involved in the search.
However, conditions on the river have made the operation difficult.
When the Oudtshoorn Courant visited the scene, police divers reportedly confirmed that the river was flowing too strongly for them to enter the water. They were waiting for the river level and flow to subside before continuing with diving operations.
As of Sunday evening, there was still no confirmed sign of Jonker or his vehicle.
The incident highlights one of the dangers faced by motorists and truck drivers when rivers and low-water bridges are affected by heavy rain.
Watch: Truck swept off flooded bridge
A low-water bridge can appear deceptively passable when water is flowing across the roadway. However, once a river is in flood, the force of moving water can make a crossing extremely dangerous.
For truck drivers, the risk is not simply about the depth of the water. A strong current can affect a vehicle’s stability and traction, while submerged sections of road can hide damaged surfaces, potholes or debris.
The safest approach when a low-water bridge is flooded is not to try to judge the crossing from the cab. If the crossing has been closed or authorities have warned against using it, drivers should wait for conditions to improve or use an alternative route.
The Jonker family has thanked emergency services, divers, helicopter crews, drone operators, farmers, volunteers and community members involved in the search.
They have also appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy and avoid spreading speculation or unconfirmed information while the search continues.
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