In my capacity as MMC for Community Safety, I want to commend the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD), whose rapid intervention led to the rescue of an individual from the flooding Hennops River in Die Hoewes, Centurion.
At approximately 06:30 this morning, a group of cyclists noticed an individual in the river and alerted emergency services. The ESD immediately dispatched an engine and the water rescue unit to the scene. There, a multidisciplinary team consisting of the ESD, the local community policing forum and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services managed to locate and rescue the individual. He was then treated on scene and transported to a local hospital in a stable condition.
An investigation by law enforcement authorities is underway to establish how the man ended up in the Hennops River.
I am extremely grateful that the alertness of the cyclists and the quick response by various role players to their calls for help led to a successful rescue.
Considering the high volumes of rain and the resulting risk of floods, the ESD remains on high alert and will continue to monitor low-lying areas and bridges.
I encourage all residents to save the toll-free 107 emergency number for the ESD on their phones and to alert them immediately when they see people in trouble in high or fast-flowing water. Time is a critical factor to ensure that the necessary resources are deployed and that successful rescues can take place.