Rescue teams save man who 'heard voices' before river fall

Free State police are urging families and communities to be attentive to the mental health of their loved ones.

The call comes after the rescue of a man in his 20s at the Namahadi River near Lancaster in QwaQwa after he fell from a bridge and reportedly told rescuers he had heard voices before the incident.

Police spokesperson W/O Mmako Mophiring said the Phuthaditjhaba community service centre received a report at about 4pm on Saturday regarding a person who had jumped from a bridge into the river.

Rescue teams were activated and found the man motionless in the water. They took him safely to the riverbank, where they discovered he was unable to move.

Mophiring said the man identified himself as Thabo Sediadia from Bolata Village in QwaQwa.

The man reportedly told the rescue team he had heard voices before the incident.

Free State provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Thabang Lesia commended the co-operation between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the municipal fire and rescue service.

As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Lesia urged families and communities to support people experiencing emotional or psychological distress.

“I urge parents, families and relatives to look after one another, particularly those who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress. Life presents challenges, but we must stand together, show compassion and support those who may be going through difficult times,” he said.

Lesia warned parents and guardians to keep children away from dangerous waterways as temperatures rise, saying police had experienced incidents of children drowning in rivers while swimming to cool off.