Heavy snowfall closes mountain passes across South Africa

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — BAGHDAD/DUBAI — Heavy snowfall across several regions of South Africa has forced the closure of multiple mountain passes and left drivers stranded, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported. Three mountain passes in the Eastern Cape were shut to traffic due to heavy snow, according to the provincial Department of Transport. Department spokesperson Unathi Pinkoos said numerous vehicles became stuck in the snow and emergency teams were assisting people who were unable to leave the area. Snow also fell around the Swartberg pass in the Western Cape, which was closed for safety reasons, though some drivers managed to cross before the shutdown. The SABC reported that some families had traveled to the area specifically to view the snowfall. The Times Live newspaper said snow and icy conditions were reported on sections of the Durban–Johannesburg highway, and numerous roads in KwaZulu-Natal province were closed due to snow. The South African Weather Service had earlier warned that a cold front would reach the country, bringing strong storms and a sharp drop in temperatures.