Central SA
Free State woman survives 12 hours in river after attack─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:41 Tue, 25 Nov 2025
Free State police are investigating a case of attempted murder and robbery after a woman was allegedly pushed into a river in flood by a taxi driver.
The 46-year-old from Phuthaditjhaba survived by clinging to a tree branch for more than 12 hours before being rescued by police and municipal divers on Monday (24/11). She managed to hold onto a tree throughout the night until a passerby heard her screams in the morning.
The woman reportedly boarded a taxi from Mabolela village to Phuthaditjhaba on Sunday, but the driver diverted towards Mphatlalatsane village. Just as they were about to approach the bridge, the suspect reportedly informed the woman that he wanted to have sex with her, which she refused.
The driver allegedly stopped the vehicle, went to the passenger side, and instructed her to undress. When she refused again, he attempted to force himself on her. “The victim offered him the money she had with her, which he took.
“He then allegedly pushed her into the overflowing river,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring. “Phuthaditjhaba police, together with fire and rescue officials, successfully rescued her. She was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.”
The police ask anyone with information that may assist in the arrest and successful conviction of the suspect to contact Phuthaditjhaba family, child protection and sexual offences unit commander, Lt. Col. Jwalane Rasunyane, on 079 890 0383 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, the police are still investigating the drowning of an eight-year-old boy, whose body was recovered from a river in which he had been swimming in the Namahadi area.
Rapelang Mabote was swimming with friends in the Kgoptjane River on Saturday, 1 November, when he got into trouble. The incident has raised concerns about child safety in Free State dams, rivers, and other water sources, especially in Phuthaditjhaba and Bloemfontein, where numerous children have lost their lives in recent years.
Officers from the Phuthaditjhaba search and rescue team, assisted by divers from MaP, recovered the boy's body from the water the next day. Rapelang’s friends reportedly ran away when he disappeared under the water, fearing he had been swallowed by a water snake.
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