GRANDMOTHER’S LIFE CUT SHORT IN HIKING TRAGEDY
Thabazimbi – On Sunday, 9 March 2025, at approximately 14:15, Thaba Fire and Rescue (TFR) received an urgent call for assistance in a mountain rescue operation, about 165km from Thabazimbi on the way to Marken.
Demonstrating their unwavering commitment to saving lives, the TFR team and Wildmed Emergency Services swiftly loaded their specialised equipment within 30 minutes and arrived on the scene at 16:30.
Tragically, upon arrival, responders confirmed that the patient — a woman who had been hiking with her daughter and granddaughter — was deceased due to injuries sustained from a fall. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, the rescue teams worked diligently to recover her body, completing the operation by 20:00. The TFR and Wildmed Emergency Services teams returned to Thabazimbi at 22h40.
The woman had been hiking along a narrow ledge in the mountains when she slipped and fell. Her daughter quickly contacted emergency services, leading to the swift mobilisation of multiple rescue teams. Initial attempts to conduct an airlift were hindered by the difficult terrain, forcing the teams to deploy rope rescue techniques instead.
The successful recovery mission was made possible by the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies: Thaba Fire and Rescue, Wildmed Emergency Services, EMS Waterberg, Mogalakwena Search and Rescue, Lephalale SAPS, as well as local community members.
This response effort once again highlights the dedication of Thaba Fire and Rescue, proving that their assistance extends far beyond Thabazimbi whenever and wherever they are needed. A heartfelt thank you to Wildmed Emergency Services for generously providing their equipment – your support is truly appreciated!
Pierre Loots, CEO of Thaba Fire and Rescue, expressed his condolences: “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. It’s never easy facing a tragedy like this, but we take comfort in knowing that we could bring her home with dignity. This rescue effort was a testament to teamwork, dedication, and the resilience of our emergency responders.”
Main photo: The mission continued into the night, highlighting the unwavering dedication of the rescuers.