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16 January 2026
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Multi-disciplinary team rescue 78-year-old male from a cliff, Qwaqwa, Free State
On Monday 12 January 2026, a 78-year-old male, Tumo Mahlangu, who was walking on the mountain top, Mabolela Qwaqwa in the Free State, slipped, fell down the cliff and got stuck. Tumo made contact with Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre using a cellular telephone at about 16:05 and a rescue mission was kickstarted by the South African Police Service, Fire Brigade, Paramedics and Rescue Officers from the Department of Health’s EMS and the College of Emergency Care. South African Police Service Airwing arrived on Tuesday morning, 13 January 2026 and joined the multidisciplinary rescue team that included K9 members, fire fighters, paramedics, and rescue specialists.
Tumo was hoisted to safety and received necessary medical treatment before he was transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further examination and treatment. The patient is a Priority 3 with no fractures and is stable. He was rescued safely without major injuries.
Tumo, who is from Tebang village in Makoane, alleges that he is fascinated by natural landscapes. He enjoys visiting geographical features such as rivers and went up the mountain for the first time. Airwing Commander, Colonel Moeketsi Phiri, led the debriefing session with all rescue mission roleplayers and thanked everyone who played part in saving 78-year-old Tumo Mahlangu's life.
Source: Lt Col Thabo Covane, Mr Mondli Mvambi, South African Police Service
Tumo was hoisted to safety and received necessary medical treatment before he was transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further examination and treatment. The patient is a Priority 3 with no fractures and is stable. He was rescued safely without major injuries.
Tumo, who is from Tebang village in Makoane, alleges that he is fascinated by natural landscapes. He enjoys visiting geographical features such as rivers and went up the mountain for the first time. Airwing Commander, Colonel Moeketsi Phiri, led the debriefing session with all rescue mission roleplayers and thanked everyone who played part in saving 78-year-old Tumo Mahlangu's life.
Source: Lt Col Thabo Covane, Mr Mondli Mvambi, South African Police Service
