By Maile Matsimela

Police divers rescued farmworkers whose lives were endangered by an overflowing dam in the Free State yesterday.

Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said at around 12 pm SAPS members received a distress call reporting that farm workers’ houses near the Koppies Dam had become submerged due to the dam overflowing.

Kareli said that crucially, the report indicated individuals were still trapped inside these dwellings.

“Responding immediately, members of the Police Diving Unit, displaying exceptional dedication and bravery, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“Their efforts were significantly bolstered by the selfless assistance of a local resident, Mr Zitzeke, who voluntarily arrived with his tractor to aid in ferrying the stranded victims to safety,” said Kareli.

He added that the dedicated team, consisting of Warrant Officer Hollie Holtzhausen, Sergeant Arno Cronje, Sergeant Sweli Simamane, Constable Jaja Molefe, and Constable Monica Delport, worked tirelessly until around 10pm in challenging conditions.

“Their coordinated efforts resulted in the successful rescue of a total of ten individuals from one farm, encompassing two separate locations that had been severely affected by the flooding.

“In one incident, the team successfully rescued a male who was trapped inside a shack. In a separate but equally critical operation, they managed to safely extract three women, three men, three vulnerable infants aged just 3 and 4 months old and an elderly man who were trapped inside a flooded farmhouse,” explains Kareli.

Kareli said Free State SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commends the swift action and unwavering commitment displayed by Warrant Officer Holtzhausen, Sergeant Cronje, Sergeant Simamane, Constable Molefe and Constable Delport. He said their bravery and professionalism in the face of a dangerous situation undoubtedly saved lives.

“The Free State SAPS also extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Zitzeke for his invaluable and selfless assistance during this critical rescue operation. This act of community spirit highlights the positive impact of collaboration during times of crisis.”