On Monday, 12 January 2026, a 78-year-old man, Tumo Mahlangu from Tebang Village in Makoane, slipped and fell down a cliff while walking on a mountaintop at Mabolela, QwaQwa. He became stuck.
At approximately 16:05, Mahlangu used a cellular telephone to contact the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre, initiating a rescue mission. The response involved the South African Police Service (SAPS), Fire Brigade, paramedics, and rescue officers from the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the College of Emergency Care.
The SAPS Air Wing joined the operation on the morning of Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The multidisciplinary team, which included K9 members, firefighters, paramedics, and rescue specialists, successfully hoisted Mahlangu to safety.
He received necessary medical treatment at the scene before being transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital. Mahlangu was classified as a priority three patient, sustained no fractures, and is in stable condition. He was rescued without major injuries.
Mahlangu stated he is fascinated by natural landscapes and was visiting the mountain for the first time.
