Johannesburg - A cold front bringing with it snow, storms and minus degree temperatures to South Africa has cost several people their lieves as well as destroyed thousands of hectares of bush and pasture land, according to local reports Monday.

Highland regions of the West Cape Province around Capetown were hit by snow, while three other provinces were plagued by bush fires of several kilometres that were whipped up by strong winds.

One official compared the burning areas to a battlefield, saying the fires were out of control.

Rescue workers and government officials spoke of between 10 and 15 people dead, including the pilot of water bomber plane that crashed over the weekend.

Meanwhile Greek freighter the Nena J was in danger of being run aground near the coastal town of Gaansbai. The ship containing steel destined for Chile was met by waves of up to 10 metres high. (dpa)