Pretoria – A tale of animal care, concern, and determination unfolded in Pretoria East this week when the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department rescued a donkey trapped in a deep hole in the ground.
On Wednesday, (12 March 2025), firefighters from Erasmuskloof Fire Station and Innesdale Fire Station responded to an emergency call about a donkey stuck in a deep hole on a property along Graceland Drive in Bashewa, Pretoria East.
Narrating events leading to the rescue, City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said: “Upon arrival, firefighters found out that, a donkey was stuck in a septic tank pit, filled with sewage waste”.
The firefighters immediately initiated incident command and developed an incident action plan.
Thereafter they began with the rescue operation.
“However, the operation presented several challenges, as there was a large concrete slab hanging over the animal, which needed to be safely removed and placed away from the scene before rescue efforts could begin,” Mnguni said.
“As the incident occurred in an open field, there was sufficient breathable air for both the rescuers and the animal in distress and this proved to be a great advantage for the operation to proceed safely.”
Firefighters used the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe vehicle provided by the neighbouring property owners to slowly and safely lift and remove the concrete slab.
“Utilising trench rescue tactics, the firefighters also dug out a sloped walkway or step adjacent to the concrete wall of the septic tank to access the donkey,” explained Mnguni.
“The operation was even further hindered by large rocks and required the use of buckets connected to utility ropes to remove and empty the septic tank sludge.
“Although this was a painstakingly slow process, our firefighters meticulously worked around the donkey and eventually got to its level.”
Mnguni said at about 22:00, they successfully placed two heavy-duty slings around the donkey’s front and hind legs, and, with the assistance of the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe vehicle, they slowly and safely lifted the animal out of the pit until it could walk out on its own.
“The rescue operation was completed at about 23:00, and the donkey was decontaminated with a water solution,” Mnguni said.
“Fortunately, the animal was unharmed.”
Mnguni said the rescue operation and the swift actions of firefighters highlight some of “our values” as the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department’s commitment to saving lives and property, no matter the challenges we may be faced with at incidents.
“We therefore urge members of the public to exercise caution and ensure the safety and well-being of people and animals by erecting precautionary fences or barriers around hazards such as septic tanks and other pits or trenches,” Mnguni said.
To report any fire or rescue incident the members of the public are encouraged to call 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are, give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require you to do so.
