Captain Pottie Potgieter and his team travelled more than 100km from Mbombela to Carolina to save Lucky, a goat that was stranded beside a dam after falling down a steep cliff. The Ehlanzeni Diving Unit is known for saving human lives, but also steps in to rescue animals.

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The goat’s owner, Oupa Zulu, became concerned when it went missing for two days. When he found Lucky stranded on a rock, his hope of saving it faded. Zulu knew the only person who could help was the “Sbali of the Lowveld”. The diving unit did not hesitate. On the fourth day, team members went out on a boat and used a rope to try to catch it.

Rescue team moves in by boat

“He was still alive and we had to catch him quickly before he escaped into the water,” said Potgieter.

The team managed to secure the goat and safely bring it back to land, where Zulu was waiting anxiously.

Lucky returns to the herd

Potgieter added that Zulu was overjoyed to see Lucky and carried the goat all the way back to his farm near Kromkrans.

“He told me that he nearly only had 14 goats, but was happy to have his complete herd back,” said Potgieter.

According to Potgieter, Lucky returned home safely and enjoyed a much-needed meal of mielies.