What is reported to have caused the death of at least 17 people?

(29)The heaviest snowfall in South Africa in more than 30 years is reported to have caused the deaths of at least 17 people. Almost 50 others are missing in the Drakensbergh mountains and are believed to be taking shelter in huts or caves.(30)Airforce helicopters have rescued about 50 people from the mountains but thousands are still stranded. Thick snow has also blocked the mountain passes in the kingdom of Lesotho, cutting off many villages.