A police diver attached to the Pietermartizburg Search and Rescue Unit drowned on Sunday morning while looking for the bodies of three victims in the Msunduzi River.
Forty-two-year-old Sergeant Busisiswe Mjwara got into difficulty and was assisted by K9-Leah, who also drowned.
Spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe says Sergeant Mjwara was part of a rescue operation when she got into difficulty. The dog Leah tried to assist her, but she too drowned.
She says Sergeant Mjwara was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola expressed his sadness on the death of yet another officer and K9 dog in the line of duty.
Colonel Mathe says earlier this week, 31-year-old Constable Thandazile Sithole died when her home collapsed on her.
She says at least 30 officers have been affected by the floods with some injuries and the majority were displaced after their homes were washed away.
Additional members and resources from the SAPS Search and Rescue (SAR) units, including officers from Gqeberha, have been roped in to bolster search and rescue operations.
The SAPS Airwing, K9 and police diving units as well as front line officers have formed part of the government's coordinated and concerted efforts to strengthen support to affected areas.
The death toll has risen to 443 with 63 people still missing.
