On Tuesday evening, a helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a sewer pond near Livingstone’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park due to an engine failure. The incident involved an aircraft operated by Batoka Sky and carried two international tourists along with the pilot.
According to police reports, all three occupants—pilot Steenkamp Jurie Johannes Reyneke and the two tourists—emerged from the ordeal without injury. The helicopter, though partly submerged in the sewer pond, sustained only minor damage, including a deformed rotor blade. The incident did not result in any significant damage to the aircraft.
Eyewitness Desmond Banda praised pilot Reyneke for his skillful handling of the emergency, highlighting the successful prevention of a potentially more serious situation. Banda’s commendation underscores the pilot’s quick thinking and expertise in managing the emergency landing.
The scene of the incident has been secured by authorities as they conduct further investigations into the engine failure and the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to retrieve the partially submerged aircraft from the sewer pond.
In other news – Mandoza’s life to be celebrated in upcoming musical
The captivating life and career of the late South African music legend Mduduzi Tshabalala, known widely as Mandoza, will be honored through an upcoming musical production. Mandoza, famed for his iconic tracks such as “Nkalakatha,” “Tornado,” and “Sgelekeqe,” passed away in 2016 after battling pharyngeal cancer and losing his eyesight.
The musical, titled **”The Road to Nkalakatha,”** is set to be a major tribute to Mandoza’s life and career. Scheduled to premiere at the Soweto Theatre on September 18, the production aims to celebrate the 25-year milestone of the song “Nkalakatha,” a track that remains one of his most celebrated hits. Read More