By Karabo Rammutla
A jogger is recovering in hospital after he ran into a flooded river in Centurion, Tshwane.
It’s not yet known if the man mistook the water in his path for a river or if he was swept away.
Residents alerted authorities when they saw the man in the Hennops river, struggling to swim out.
The Tshwane Emergency Services Department’s Charles Mabaso said they received a call during which it was reported that a man was seen floating in the river at Die Hoewes in Centurion, close to the highway.
“Tshwane Fire and Rescue Water Rescue 762 and Engine 31 were immediately dispatched to the area. A multi-disciplinary team of the local police forum, Gauteng EMS and Tshwane Emergency Services managed to rescue the man who was treated at the scene and transported to hospital in a stable condition,” Mabaso said.
Law enforcement authorities are investigating how the man ended up in the river.
The Centurion area is flooded every rainy season. Low-lying bridges and roads are sometimes completely covered by water.
With heavy rains continuing to batter most parts of the country, storm water drains blocked by leaves, rubbish and homeless people’s belongings, flooding is always expected.
People do end up in the Hennops river from time to time, but mostly due to their cars being swept away.
Pictured above: A runner ended up in the Hennops river on Tuesday morning
Picture source: Tshwane Emergency Services
