A dramatic and heroic rescue operation unfolded in Kimberley this week after a police horse fell into a deep water-filled hole in Carters Glen, capturing the hearts of the local community as they lauded the responders.
A DRAMATIC and heroic rescue operation unfolded in Kimberley this week after a police horse fell into a deep water-filled hole in Carters Glen, capturing the hearts of the local community as they lauded the responders.
The incident, which occurred at around 10am on Tuesday, saw the combined efforts of the Sol Plaatje Emergency Services and community volunteers, who worked tirelessly for over an hour and a half to save the horse.
The horse, named ‘Moonlight’, slipped into a hole measuring 1m x 1m and over two metres deep, which was also filled with water. The accident happened while members of the Kimberley Mounted Unit were conducting patrols in the Carters Glen area.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, the hole was not visible due to sand and grass covering it.
“On the corner of Rhodes and Pickering avenues, Sergeant Brandon Mally and his horse ‘Moonlight’ walked over a sinkhole that was apparently not visible due to sand and grass covering the hole. The horse’s hind legs collapsed into the hole, causing the rider to jump off,” explained Ehlers.
She said the rescue operation saw the involvement of the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit, the Sol Plaatje Municipality Fire Department and a local veterinarian. A private citizen also offered assistance by providing a tractor loader backhoe.
Ehlers explained that the SAPS veterinarian sedated the horse at the scene. She expressed relief that both the horse and rider emerged uninjured from the incident.
“The horse is now safely at the police stables and is in good condition,” Ehlers confirmed.
The incident deeply moved many onlookers, who gathered at the scene, cheering and praying for the rescue team’s success in saving the horse’s life.
A member of the Sol Plaatje Emergency Services, Ryno Griesel, who participated in the operation, described the rescue as extremely challenging due to the water in the hole.
Griesel explained that the Sol Plaatje Emergency Service received a distress call at around 10.15am about a horse trapped in a hole at the corner of Rhodes and Pickering avenues.
“Upon arrival, responders found the horse stuck, with only its head and front legs visible. The Search and Rescue Unit of the police, a local businessman with a JCB, and a private vet all converged on the scene. The vet sedated the horse to reduce stress, while the rider remained by the horse’s side, keeping it calm,” he said.
Griesel noted that the horse’s saddle was stuck, preventing it from slipping further into the hole and drowning.
“Using the JCB, the team secured the horse to prevent further slipping and prepared for the rescue operation. Straps were placed around the horse, but they initially slipped. After readjusting, the team finally managed to lift the horse to safety after an intense operation.”
Griesel hailed the rescue operation as a triumph of teamwork and dedication, with the horse now receiving further care and treatment.
“The rider’s composure and the quick response of the emergency services were credited with saving the horse’s life,” he added.
The owner of the tractor loader backhoe, Adam Serfontein, recounted how someone called his father for assistance with machinery to rescue the trapped horse. He immediately dropped everything he was doing and rushed to the scene.
“I decided to do it myself because I know I’m a good machine operator. It was challenging as we didn’t want to hurt the already stressed animal. We had to work with caution, slowly, and as calmly as possible to avoid any injuries,” Serfontein explained.
The Sol Plaatje Municipality has meanwhile refuted claims that the horse fell into a sinkhole. Municipal spokesperson Thabo Mothibi clarified that the hole was caused by a water leak, not a sinkhole, and there was no chamber.
“Water has been pumped out, and an assessment has been done. We are giving it attention,” said Mothibi.
