Tumo Mahlangu (78) who was walking on the mountain top – Mabolela Qwaqwa, slipped, fell down the cliff and got stuck on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Mahlangu 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.
He managed to make contact with Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre using a cellphone at about 16:05, and a rescue mission was kick-started 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, 13 January 2026, and joined the multidisciplinary rescue team that included K9 members, Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and Rescue Specialists. He 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.
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.
