One-year-old Thoriso Kgobane fell into a borehole 13 meters deep on Thursday, 16 March.
The incident left the family with traumatic flashbacks as he was trapped for four hours.
Thoriso was allegedly with some of his family members when he slipped and fell into the borehole.
According to the family, during their hour of darkness, they had to wait for more than an hour before action could be taken as help was too far.
Thoriso’s uncle Nkoketseng Kgobane said: “The whole community was shocked by what happened and what we saw unfold in front of us. Everyone was praying, we were united by one prayer and that is how Thoriso was rescued.”
ALSO WATCH: Iyoh, no coffin to bury madala!
Nkoketseng told Daily Sun on Thursday, 23 March that as a family they are grateful beyond measure for the help that they received.
"A caterpillar was used but it could not reach where the baby was. Someone in the community came up with the idea of calling the mining rescue team. When they arrived, they took over the rescue mission and used their mining tactics to rescue my nephew,” he said.
The borehole was widened, and a rescuer was then lowered down into it, grabbed his hand and lifted him out safely.
Thoriso’s mum, Katlego Kgobane said she had left her child at her mum’s house when he fell into the uncovered borehole.
“I don’t know how to thank God for saving my child,” she said.
Katlego said they were all shocked at how Thoriso was responding while inside the dark hole for hours.
“We took him to the hospital for observations, he is doing fine so far,” said Katlego.
His gogo, Regina Kgobane said they are still traumatised by the experience.
“I wake up every day with a deep sense of gratitude, for I have seen the power of God.”
Acting Group Chief Operating Officer of Royal Bafokeng Dr Kebalepile Mokgethi said they are happy that the rescue went well, and the baby was rescued unharmed.
While the Bojanala acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mmamotsamai Ntwagae expressed gratitude to the people that assisted in the rescue mission.
