Following a two-day delay caused by adverse weather conditions, a South African Police Service (SAPS) search and rescue team successfully recovered the body of an unidentified man.

The operation was conducted in the Thaba Bosiu mountains in the Free State, near the KwaZulu-Natal border in Bergville. 

Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said police helicopters and the Sasolburg Search and Rescue Unit were deployed to retrieve the body of an unknown male discovered by local hunters between slippery cliffs on August 5.

“From Wednesday to Friday, police airwing pilots from the Free State and Gauteng worked tirelessly to assist Namahadi police in removing the decomposed body from the mountain,” Mophiring explained. 

“The operation was initially delayed for two days due to poor weather conditions, making it difficult to manoeuvre in the mountainous terrain. The scene, located approximately eight kilometres from the nearest villages, was inaccessible to vehicles.”

Mophiring said that the Free State Airwing Unit was activated, with Lieutenant Colonel Khonou as the pilot, Sergeant Campbell, and Constable Tshabalala flying to the scene to attempt the retrieval. 

He said that due to weather conditions and the type of helicopter initially available, the unit was unable to reach the site. It was then that Lt. Col. Khonou contacted colleagues from the Gauteng Airwing Unit, who arranged for a more suitable helicopter for the terrain. 

Mophiring said flights on Wednesday and Thursday were grounded due to adverse weather conditions, including mist. However, the team returned to the mountain at 11am on Friday with the Sasolburg Search and Rescue Unit. 

“By approximately 3pm, the body of a male, estimated to be between 25 and 35 years old, was recovered. The deceased was wearing black and red track pants labelled “LS” in white and red, along with a camouflage top. The body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, and no visible injuries were noted,” Mophiring said. 

“A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death, and an inquest case is under investigation. The identity of the deceased remains unknown.” 

Mophiring urged anyone who may have lost a family member or with information that could help identify the deceased, to please contact Detective Warrant Officer Nhlapo at Namahadi Police Station on 078 116 1241. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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