Phuthaditjhaba, 9 September 2024 – Quick action by local police saved the life of a 63-year-old woman who was discovered floating in a river in Namahadi early this morning.
At approximately 05:45, the police were alerted by concerned community members after the woman was seen floating face-up in the river near an old single bridge. Responding immediately, Sergeant Teboho Selebano and Constable Palesa Mokoena from Phuthaditjhaba rushed to the scene and pulled the elderly woman from the icy waters. Sergeant Moleko Mabe, a SAPS learner diver from the Phuthaditjhaba Client Service Centre, also provided assistance.
Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly, and the woman, although soaked and cold, was found to be in stable condition. She was then transported to Elizabeth Ross Hospital for further medical care.
According to initial reports, the woman had been walking at night and somehow ended up in the river, spending several hours in the cold water before being rescued. The police’s quick response, along with the help of the community, likely prevented a tragic outcome.
The woman remains under medical observation, and local authorities have expressed their gratitude for the swift action of the community members and police officers involved in the rescue.
SAPS reports
