SARZA - Free State

13/10/2026

Hiker rescued after he experienced a cardiac-related medical emergency deep within Kloof Gorge

https://arrr.co.za/IrSGv

Mobi-Claw911

11/10/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
SARZA Free State Assists injured hiker at Holhoek Guest, Hiking & Game Farm

Date: 11 October 2026
Location: Holhoek Lodge hiking area, Paul Roux District, Free State

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, the Free State branch of Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA) responded to an incident involving an injured hiker on a hiking trail at Holhoek Guest, Hiking & Game Farm in the Free State.

The call was received from Mountain Search and Rescue (MSAR) in Gauteng, who redirected the callout to SARZA, due to the closer proximity of our Free State branch.

The incident was reported to SARZA just after 11:00 after a member of a hiking party slipped and sustained an ankle injury. The hiker reported hearing a snap during the incident, followed by significant swelling around the ankle. Due to the injury and the challenging terrain, the group, who were approximately 2 km from the trail finish and their parked vehicles, were unable to safely make their way out without assistance.

SARZA Free State mobilised its response teams and coordinated with ER24 to reach the injured hiker. Team members made first contact with the patient at approximately 13:40, after which a coordinated carry-out operation was initiated.

The evacuation required the team to carefully transport the injured hiker along the trail and back to Holhoek Lodge. Despite the challenging circumstances, both the patient and fellow hikers remained in good spirits throughout the operation, contributing to a positive atmosphere during the rescue.

At approximately 15:20, the patient was safely brought back to Holhoek Lodge.

The operation highlighted the importance of teamwork, effective coordination and trained search-and-rescue personnel when assisting injured hikers in areas where self-evacuation is not possible. The cooperation between SARZA Free State and ER24 played an important role in ensuring the safe extraction of the patient.

SARZA Free State commends all responding members and ER24 personnel for their professionalism, teamwork and commitment to assisting those in need.

Hiking Safety Reminder

SARZA encourages all hikers to assess their routes carefully, carry appropriate equipment, inform someone of their planned route and expected return time, and ensure that their group has a plan for emergencies.

In the event of an injury, avoid unnecessary movement that could worsen the condition and seek professional assistance when safe self-evacuation is not possible.

If you are in need of assistance, you can call our emergency line on 010 1401 911.

SARZA — So Others May Live.

01/10/2026

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

SARZA FREE STATE | TRAINING WEEKEND

Prepared to Serve – So Others May Live.

This past weekend, SARZA Free State members came together for an intensive training weekend focused on developing essential skills, strengthening teamwork, and preparing for the challenges of Search and Rescue operations.

Our members participated in a variety of practical training activities, including:

🔹 Day & Night Convoy Driving – Developing coordination and safe vehicle movement in different conditions.

🔹 Survival Training – Putting survival skills to the test during an overnight sleep-out in the bush.

🔹 Line Searching – Practising systematic search techniques used in Search and Rescue operations.

🔹 Chainsaw Training – Building practical knowledge and skills for operational environments.

🔹 Wildlife Education – Learning about snakes, spiders, and the importance of understanding the natural environment.

🔹 Safe Weapons Handling Awareness – Understanding the importance of safe procedures when assisting a patient who may be carrying a fi***rm.

🔹 Night Lighting Exercises – Evaluating how different types of lighting perform and how far various lights can illuminate in low-light conditions.

🔹 Basic First Aid – Practising essential patient care techniques, including the use of vacuum mattresses, scoop stretchers, and splinting.

Every training session is an opportunity to learn, improve, and become better prepared to assist those in need.

A big thank you to our training officers and all members who contributed to making this weekend a success.

SARZA Free State – Trust | Respect | Passion | Altruism

So Others May Live.

24/09/2026

Heritage is more than what we inherit; it’s also what we choose to carry forward.

In search and rescue, every skill passed from one rescuer to another, every lesson learned in the field, and every tradition of service becomes part of something bigger than just us.

It’s a legacy, built not only through history, but through people willing to teach, learn and show up.

This Heritage Day, we celebrate the diverse heritage that makes South Africans who we are, and the shared commitment to leave our communities safer for those who come after us.

Happy Heritage Day!