A man in his early 20s was brought to safety at the Rooihuiskraal bridge in Centurion after swift intervention by a concerned member of the public and emergency services prevented a suicide attempt.

Pretoria Rekord reports that Emer-G-Med spokesperson Grant Barrett says the incident occurred at around 14:00 on Thursday on the Rooihuiskraal Road bridge.

According to Barrett, the man was standing on the bridge, attempting to jump, when a concerned member of the public intervened and managed to calm him down before emergency crews arrived.

“A member of the public managed to calm the man down and bring him to safety, waiting with him until we arrived,” he says.

He adds that the Good Samaritan played a crucial role in preventing a tragic outcome.

Barrett says Emer-G-Med responded to the scene with various private security services and members of the CPF.

“The man was assessed at the scene and found to have no serious injuries. However, as a precaution, he was transported to a local hospital for further treatment and observation.”

Barrett says there were no major traffic disruptions during the incident and that the scene was cleared quickly.

While the immediate crisis was averted, mental health organisations continue to stress the importance of understanding suicide and recognising warning signs.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) explains that suicide is often a response to overwhelming emotional pain, hopelessness and a sense of isolation.

The organisation says people who are suicidal do not necessarily want to die but rather want their pain to stop.

“Suicide affects people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, and greater awareness can help save lives.”

According to SADAG, common risk factors include depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, trauma, loss or grief, financial problems and chronic or terminal illness.

Warning signs may include talking about death or suicide, withdrawing from loved ones, risky or self-harming behaviour, sudden calmness after a period of depression, and giving away personal belongings.

Encourage them to seek professional help, and offer to go with them to counselling, or contact a helpline together.

Mentions of suicide should not be dismissed, and the most helpful thing you can do is simply to remind them that they are not alone and that you are there for them.

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