A man in his twenties was rescued from the Namahadi River in Qwaqwa after falling from the Namahadi River bridge near Lancaster on Saturday afternoon.
The man was found motionless in the water after the incident, which prompted a multi-agency response involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency personnel.
Police said the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre received a report at about 4pm that a person had jumped from the bridge into the river. Members of the Phuthaditjhaba Police Rescue and Diving Unit, the Tactical Response Team and off-duty police officers were sent to the scene.
Rescue operation at the river
The emergency teams located the man in the Namahadi River and brought him to the riverbank. He was unable to move when he was recovered and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for further medical treatment.
“They managed to bring him safely to the riverbank, where it was discovered that he was unable to move. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further medical treatment,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring.
The source report did not provide details about the man’s medical condition after he reached hospital. It also did not set out the circumstances that led to his fall from the bridge or confirm whether the incident was deliberate.
| Incident detail | Information available |
|---|---|
| Location | Namahadi River near Lancaster, Qwaqwa |
| Emergency report | About 4pm on Saturday |
| Person rescued | Man in his twenties |
| Response | SAPS rescue teams, Tactical Response Team, off-duty officers and municipal firefighters |
| Outcome | Recovered and taken to a local hospital |
Report of hearing voices
According to police, the man told rescuers that he had heard voices shortly before the incident. No further information was provided about what he meant, whether he had previously received mental health care or whether any diagnosis had been made.
That detail was included in the police account of the rescue, but it should not be treated as a confirmed explanation for what happened. The available information does not establish the cause of the fall, and no conclusion about the man’s mental state can be drawn from the report alone.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia praised the emergency services for their co-operation and urged families to pay attention to people who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
“I would like to express my appreciation for the continued cooperation and strong working relationship between SAPS and the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality Fire and Rescue Service. Their swift response demonstrates their commitment to saving lives and serving our communities during emergencies,” said Lesia.
Appeal to families
Lesia’s appeal was made during October’s Mental Health Awareness Month. He called on parents, relatives and families to support people going through difficult periods.
In practical terms, families and friends should take statements about distress seriously and seek urgent assistance when someone may be at risk. The source report did not identify a specific counselling service or emergency telephone number, but people facing an immediate danger should contact emergency services or go to the nearest hospital or police station.
- Remain with a person who may be in immediate danger, where it is safe to do so.
- Move away from bridges, rivers and other hazards if an emergency can be prevented safely.
- Contact emergency services rather than attempting a river rescue without the necessary training.
- Share relevant information with medical personnel and police when help arrives.
Drowning warning during hot weather
The provincial police commissioner also warned parents and guardians to be vigilant around rivers during hot weather. Higher temperatures can encourage children to swim, but rivers may present dangers that are not immediately visible.
Police did not provide details about the depth or flow of the Namahadi River at the scene, and there was no indication that children were involved in this incident. The warning was issued as a broader safety reminder for families in the area.
Members of the public should avoid entering a river to assist someone unless they have the appropriate training and equipment. The Qwaqwa rescue involved specialised police personnel, tactical officers and municipal firefighters, underlining the risks faced by both people in the water and those attempting to reach them.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. What has been confirmed is that a man was recovered alive after falling from the bridge, emergency teams worked together to bring him to safety, and he was transported for medical care. No additional information about his condition or any further investigation was provided.
