By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A 78-year-old man was rescued in a complex, multi-agency operation after falling down a cliff at Mabolela Mountain in QwaQwa while exploring the area.
According to a joint media statement by SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane and Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi, the incident occurred on Monday, 12 January 2026.
The man, identified as Tumo Mahlangu of Tebang village in Makoane, reportedly slipped while walking on top of Mabolela Mountain and fell down a steep cliff, where he became trapped.
Despite the fall, Mahlangu managed to use his cell phone to contact the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre at about 16:05, triggering an immediate emergency response.
A coordinate rescue operation was launched involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the local Fire Brigade, paramedics, and rescue personnel from the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the College of Emergency Care.
The search and rescue efforts continued overnight into Tuesday, 13 January, when the SAPS Airwing was deployed to assist.
The multidisciplinary team, which included K9 units, firefighters, paramedics and specialised rescue personnel, successfully hoisted Mahlangu to safety using aerial support.
“He received on-site medical treatment before being transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further examination and care,” the statement said.
Mahlangu was assessed as a Priority 3 patient and was reported to be in a stable condition, with no fractures or life-threatening injuries.
SAPS Airwing Commander Colonel Moeketsi Phiri led the post-operation debriefing and commended all role players for their swift and coordinated response, which he said was instrumental in saving the man’s life.
Authorities have also urged members of the public, particularly elderly residents, to exercise caution when navigating mountainous and potentially hazardous terrain.
