By Staff Reporter
MBAULA – A 55-year-old man has been rescued after surviving a terrifying three-day ordeal trapped by rising floodwaters between Mbaula and Selwane Bridge in Giyani.
The incident began on Wednesday, 14 January, when heavy rainfall caused rivers to swell rapidly, cutting the man off from safety.
With water levels continuing to rise, he sought refuge inside an excavator stationed near the riverbank, where he remained stranded as strong currents threatened to sweep the machinery away.
According to authorities, the man survived without food during the three days, relying only on the limited shelter provided by the excavator while surrounded by dangerous floodwaters.
His rescue was the result of a coordinated effort involving members of the Giyani South African Police Service (SAPS), Mopani District Disaster Management, and local community members. Concerned residents alerted authorities after noticing the stranded excavator, prompting an urgent response.
SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Ridgewell Rikhotso praised the community for their vigilance and bravery, noting that the man had been trapped on a high-risk riverbank where water levels remained dangerously high at the time of the rescue. He described the operation as challenging but successful due to teamwork and swift action.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued further warnings of continued heavy rainfall. Residents in the Mopani and Vhembe districts are urged to remain extremely cautious, as additional flooding is expected until at least 20 January 2026.
Authorities have advised communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers and low-lying bridges and to report emergencies immediately.
