WATCH | Woman rescued from Nkomati River
A police helicopter hoisted the 19-year-old to safety.

While attempting to cross an overflowing bridge on the road to Phiva on Friday, January 10, a 19-year old woman was washed downstream.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the woman was rescued through a group effort by the police Search and Rescue Unit, disaster management teams, other emergency personnel and SARZA.
“The young lady was attempting to cross the overflowing bridge on the road heading to Phiva when she was washed away. She was then able to swim to an island in the middle of the river where she was stranded for approximately three hours,” he said.
A witness to the incident promptly informed the police and various role players were summoned, including the Search and Rescue Unit of the SAPS,” said Mdhluli.
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SARZA Lowveld responded to assess the situation, but realised that a rope would not be sufficient to ensure a safe rescue as the water was flowing very fast. It was only after a police helicopter was commandeered from Pretoria that the woman was hoisted to safety. SARZA supported the operation downstream.
The provincial EMS treated the young woman and she was sent home to her relieved parents the same day.
@lowvelder A police helicopter rescued a 19-year-old woman from the Nkomati River. Video: Supplied/SAPS #Riverrescue #rescue #river #NkomatiRiver #Policehelicopter #mpumalanga