The love for natural landscape and geographical features nearly end the life of Ntate Tumo Mahlangu, from Tebang Village in Makoane Qwaqwa.
On Monday, 12 January 2026, a 78-year-old Tumo Mahlangu, was walking on the mountaintop at Mabolela, QwaQwa for the first time. He slipped and fell down a cliff, and stuck.
Mahlangu contacted the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre using a cellular telephone at about 16:05, and a rescue mission was initiated by the South African Police Service, Fire Brigade, paramedics, and rescue officers from the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the College of Emergency Care.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing arrived on the morning of Tuesday, 13 January 2026, and joined the multidisciplinary rescue team, which included K9 members, firefighters, paramedics, and rescue specialists.
Tumo was hoisted to safety and received the necessary medical treatment before being transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further examination and treatment. The patient was classified as priority three, sustained no fractures, and is in a stable condition. He was rescued safely without major injuries.
Air Wing Commander, Colonel Moeketsi Phiri, led the debriefing session with all rescue mission role players and thanked everyone who played a part in saving the life of 78-year-old Tumo Mahlangu.
