In Tonga, Mpumalanga, a 19-year-old woman had a narrow escape after being swept away while attempting to cross a bridge overwhelmed by the floodwaters of the Nkomazi River.

Fortunately, she managed to cling to some reeds in the rushing water and held on until rescue teams arrived.

On Friday, January 10, 2025, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, confirmed the successful rescue. A bystander saw the woman being carried away by the river and quickly raised the alarm.

“Reports indicate that the young woman was attempting to navigate the flooded bridge on her way to Phiva when she was swept away but managed to grab onto a reed in the middle of the river,” Brigadier Mdhluli clarified.

“A good Samaritan witnessed the event and promptly alerted the police, which triggered a response from several agencies, including the SA Police Service’s Search and Rescue team, Disaster Management, and local authorities.”

According to Brigadier Mdhluli, the police successfully located and rescued the woman via helicopter.

However, he advised against attempting to cross flooded rivers and low-lying bridges.

A large crowd of curious locals gathered along the riverbank to witness the rescue operation.