A TEACHER and two men trapped in a deadly river for almost three hours have been rescued.
They were rescued by the Bushbuckridge municipal rescue team, police and residents on Monday, 1 February.
This after teacher Lunghisa Makamu (27) was walking to work in Arthurstone and was offered a lift by Children Mandlani (23).
The car got stuck in the middle of a low-lying bridge at Mutlumuvi River.
Mpumelelo Nxumalo (32), Andrew Khosa (35) and Lucky Nyathi (32) lent a hand to push the car.
However, the river suddenly swelled and seemingly swallowed the car.
Children and Lucky managed to escape, leaving the three trapped behind the car. They climbed onto the roof and called Mhala police.
“We’re thankful to the rescue team, police and community who came to our rescue,” said Mpumelelo and Andrew.
Lunghisa said their wallets, cellphones and a pair of shoes were swept away.
“I’m grateful to be alive. It was bad. We almost died in this river. Last week it swept away madala Mabunda. So we’re not safe here,” he said.
Bushbuckridge municipal fire and rescue team acting chief fire officer, Rirhandzu Maduna, said: “We applied all our best techniques to ensure they as well as the car were rescued.”
Brigadier Leonard Hlathi told Daily Sun: “Another victim was rescued in Lydenburg.
“So we’re calling on people not to risk crossing full rivers.
“We’re still expecting more heavy rains up until end of March.”
Daily Sun tried to contact Mpumalanga public works, roads and transport spokesman Frederick Dhlamini.
His phone rang unanswered.
