KOMATIPOORT - A Komati River fisherman has finally been rescued.
He had been refusing to leave the dangerous hippo and crocodile-infested waters.
The man had adopted a routine of fishing on the rocks in the river.
Police say they made several attempts to help but he evaded rescue efforts, stubbornly refusing to leave.
Persistent police and emergency services in Komatipoort failed to convince him.
They then launched a massive rescue effort, including a helicopter and armed team members.
But, the man still resisted leaving what he perceives as his fishing ground.
The fisherman was finally and forcefully taken out of the river to safety.