RANDFONTEIN – A motorbike rider was extracted from dense mud after he was stuck for nearly two hours.

Search and Rescue South Africa (Sarza) Gauteng received a call on Sunday 31 May to assist with the extraction of a motorbike rider reportedly trapped in “quicksand”.

Updated reports confirmed the patient had become stuck approximately two hours before the call in “semi-liquid, waterlogged mud” which was unable to support weight. His legs, still in riding boots, were firmly entrapped in the dense mud, creating significant resistance to movement.

Members of Sarza arrived on the scene, and with members of Gauteng EMS and the South African Police Service’s K9 Search and Rescue, a working platform was constructed to provide safe access for medics and rescuers.

The patient was assessed and treatment initiated. Once hypothermia was better controlled, efforts shifted to securing the patient on a more stable surface to prevent further sinking.

Methodical rescue operation

Working methodically under continuous monitoring, rescuers used controlled, deliberate movements to gradually free the trapped legs, carefully breaking the hold of the saturated mud. The first leg was released, followed by the second, allowing safe extrication as sunset approached.

With an appropriate landing zone identified and prepared by members, Netcare 911 helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) arrived and the patient was transferred to a care facility.

Sarza thanked bystanders for assistance, and said the operation reflected the team’s fluid coordination, unwavering trust, and quiet professionalism, built through years of shared training and experience.

In a comment on Facebook, the motorbike rider thanked Sarza and everyone who assisted in rescuing him, commenting that his body is still hurting. Another Facebook follower said he hopes the danger zone in this piece of open field has been closed off to prevent a recurrence.