FREE STATE.- A 78-year-old pensioner, Tumo Mahlangu, has been rescued after getting stuck on a mountain in Qwa-Qwa while taking a walk on the mountain on Monday.

It is said that Mahlangu was walking on the mountaintop at Mabolela, QwaQwa, when he slipped, fell down a cliff, and became stuck.

A statement by the police said that Mahlangu then contacted their Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre using a cellular telephone at about 16:05, and a rescue mission was initiated by the South African Police Service, Fire Brigade, paramedics, and rescue officers from the Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the College of Emergency Care.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing arrived on the morning of today, Tuesday, January 13, and joined the multidisciplinary rescue team, which included K9 members, firefighters, paramedics, and rescue specialists.

“Tumo was hoisted to safety and received the necessary medical treatment before being transported to Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital for further examination and treatment. The patient was classified as priority three, sustained no fractures, and is in a stable condition. He was rescued safely without major injuries.”

The pensioner who is from Tebang Village in Makoane, alleged that he is fascinated by natural landscapes. He enjoys visiting geographical features such as rivers and went up the mountain for the first time.

Air Wing Commander, Colonel Moeketsi Phiri, led the debriefing session with all rescue mission role players and thanked everyone who played a part in saving the life of the 78-year-old pensioner.