Young Man Pulled From Namahadi River After Fall From QwaQwa Bridge

 

Man Pulled From Namahadi River After Fall From QwaQwa Bridge

A man in his twenties from Bolata Village was rescued from the Namahadi River near Lancaster in QwaQwa, Free State, after falling from the Namahadi River bridge on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Police said in a statement shared by crime-prevention activist Yusuf Abramjee that a multi-agency team pulled him from the water at about 16:00.

He was found motionless and unable to move, and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. His condition has not been made public.

Key facts

• The rescue happened at around 16:00 on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in the Namahadi River near Lancaster.
• Responders included police rescue and diving officers, the Tactical Response Team, off-duty police officers and municipal fire and rescue personnel.
• The man was found motionless and unable to move before being taken to hospital.
• He reportedly told rescuers he had heard voices before the incident.
• Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia praised the teams and urged families to support people in distress.

What happened

According to police, the man fell from the bridge and ended up in the river. Several teams worked together to reach him: police rescue and diving officers, members of the Tactical Response Team, off-duty police officers who were on hand, and municipal fire and rescue crews. He was pulled out at around 16:00.

Police have not said what caused the fall, and it would be wrong to speculate. The report that he told rescuers he had heard voices has been shared without further explanation, and no official has drawn conclusions from it.

Man Pulled From Namahadi River After Fall From QwaQwa Bridge

Police response

Lieutenant General Lesia praised the rescue teams for their swift response. He urged families to support loved ones who are going through emotional or psychological distress, and warned parents and guardians to supervise children closely around rivers and other dangerous waterways to prevent drownings.

Background: a dangerous season for rivers

The warning comes weeks after another water tragedy in the area. In late September, police, assisted by Maluti-a-Phofung rescue and dive teams, recovered the body of an 11-year-old boy who had been swept away in the Kgoptjane River in QwaQwa. EWN reported that bad weather had hampered the search and that the body was found ten days later, after a community member spotted it lodged against a tree.

What this means for you

If someone is in trouble in the water, call for help first: 112 from a cellphone, 10111 for police or 10177 for an ambulance. If it is safe to do so, throw something that floats. Do not enter fast-moving water yourself, because many rescuers and bystanders are put at risk this way.

Keep children away from rivers unless an adult is watching them closely, particularly after rain, when currents are stronger and water levels can change quickly.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call the SADAG mental health line on 0800 21 22 23, the suicide crisis line on 0800 567 567 or Lifeline on 0861 322 322.

What happens next

• Police have not released an update on the man's condition.
• Authorities have not said whether the circumstances of the fall are under investigation.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the rescue take place?

In the Namahadi River near Lancaster, in QwaQwa in the Free State, after a fall from the Namahadi River bridge.

Who rescued the man?

Police rescue and diving officers, the Tactical Response Team, off-duty police officers and municipal fire and rescue personnel.

How is he doing?

He was taken to a local hospital. No update on his condition has been given.

What did police urge the public to do?

To support people going through emotional or psychological distress, and to supervise children closely around rivers and other dangerous waterways.

Join the conversation

Do you think rivers and bridges in your area are safe enough? Tell us in the comments, and share this article so more families see the safety message.

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