The Western Cape Government has confirmed that one fatality has occurred in the Garden Route after an individual attempted to cross a flooded river. This was amid the Orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall over the Garden Route from Wednesday, 3 June, into Thursday, 4 June.

Authorities have again appealed to residents not to cross flooded rivers or roads, warning that these conditions remain extremely dangerous. Officials also confirmed that the worst of the weather system has passed, with conditions clearing across most affected regions.

The Western Cape Government says authorities continue to closely monitor the impact of the severe weather system affecting residents in parts of the province.

Provincial disaster management teams, emergency services and municipalities are reportedly fully activated and on high alert.

The Garden Route District Municipality has confirmed that 93 community members were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk as persistent rainfall continues. The municipality added that evacuated residents remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided.

Eskom also reported persistent power outages in parts of the Garden Route, including Harkerville and Covie in the Bitou municipal area, as well as Sedgefield and Karatara in Knysna. Eskom and municipal teams continue to work on restoring the electricity supply to affected communities.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said authorities remain focused on protecting communities and responding to incidents as they arise.

According to the SAWS, rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with conditions forecast to begin clearing later this afternoon.

The Disaster Management Centre has advised that the N1 is currently closed at Leeu Gamka due to flooding, with no safe alternative route available at this stage.

Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings, limit non-essential travel in affected areas, stay clear of rivers and bridges, and follow updates issued through official government and municipal communication channels.

“The situation remains stable, but conditions can change rapidly as the weather system continues to move through the affected areas. We urge residents to remain vigilant, heed all warnings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Minister Bredell said.

READ MORE: George municipality urges residents to avoid travel amid severe weather

Postbank has extended its card replacement schedule to support thousands of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients who are still trying to switch to the new Black Cards, as concern grows over meeting the upcoming deadline.

From Saturday, 06 June 2026, selected retail outlets will be open on Saturdays throughout the month of June, giving beneficiaries more time to switch to Black Cards.

Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako says this is to ensure that beneficiaries who are unable to go during the week are given a fair opportunity to do so on weekends.

“The extension of our operating days is intended to provide social grant beneficiaries with additional opportunities to access their Black Cards before the deadline. Customers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the extended schedule and visit their nearest store as early as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and long queues.”

According to Postbank, beneficiaries only need a valid RSA ID or temporary ID, and the service remains free of charge.

Beneficiaries are reminded that 31 August 2026 remains the final deadline, after which Gold Cards will no longer be valid for grant payments.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 59-year-old woman in Lavender Hill this morning.

SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the victim was fatally stabbed after a heated argument with a family member.

“Her body was discovered in St Christopher Avenue, St Montague Village in the early hours of Friday morning. According to reports, the victim had an argument with a relative before she was stabbed. She sustained stab wounds to her body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be domestic-related.”

Steenberg police have registered a case of murder for further investigation.

Twigg confirmed that the suspects will make their first court appearance next week.

“We can confirm that two female suspects aged 18 and 19 were arrested in connection with the murder and will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 08 June 2026.”