A 92-year-old man, Solomon Majomeya Sithole, was found alive in the bushes in Masibekela, Mbuzini yesterday, December 9, after being missing for two days.

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Police received an inquiry on Monday, December 8, and a search-and-rescue operation was initiated immediately. His family and community members joined the search, which continued until nightfall and was then called off due to poor light.

The operation resumed the following day, led by the Ehlanzeni Diving Unit along with Crime Intelligence and a member of Tonga SAPS, who used a drone to aid the search. At 14:20, a police helicopter was also deployed.

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The elderly man was eventually found alive, lying under a tree, by the SAPS Air Wing team. He was airlifted to Tonga Hospital for medical attention.

The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the successful recovery of the senior citizen. He urged the public to take extra care of the elderly.