Update
NATIONAL NEWS - The body of missing Langebaan hiker Hermie van Zyl (74) has been found.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed today, 30 October, that the rescue team found Van Zyl yesterday in the mountain valley forest at the Storms River gorge.
His body was recovered and airlifted by a military helicopter this morning.
Nkohli said in a statement that an inquest docket has been opened for further investigation.
After an intensive search yesterday, Van Zyl's body was discovered close to where his hat was found on Tuesday. The spot is in the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, in the direction of the Heuningbos hut to Sleepkloof hut.
Van Zyl, a dental technician from Langebaan, was reported missing on Wednesday morning, 22 October, by the 20-strong hiking group he was with.
He was separated from the group along the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve trail on Tuesday 22 October.
He was last seen wearing denim shorts and a khaki short-sleeve button-down shirt.
The intensive search was conducted by the SAPS Search and Rescue, SAPS Mounted Unit, SANParks rangers and personnel from the MTO Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail. About 30 people, as well as a helicopter, were involved in the search.
Frank Pronk, a fellow hiker, said he had walked back on the trail for about five kilometres from an overnight hut looking for Van Zyl after he did not reach the hut. However, it became too dark for the search to continue.
Van Zyl is believed to be survived by a sister, who lives in Saldanha, and two daughters.
Previous articles:
- Missing hiker: Body found following search
- Search for missing hiker enters second week
- Search for missing hiker enters fourth day
- Search for missing hiker continues
Article: Sister publication, Knysna-Plett Herald
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