Search for missing hiker enters fourth day

Update

TSITSIKAMMA NEWS- The search for missing hiker, Hermie van Zyl (74), who went missing along the Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail, has entered its fourth day.

SAPS Eastern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that a search and rescue operation was launched for Van Zyl who was reported missing on Wednesday morning, 22 October.

The initiative comprises SAPS Search and Rescue, SAPS Mounted Unit, SANParks rangers and personnel from the MTO Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail. The search and rescue operation was also joined by the SAPS helicopter for two days. About 30 people are involved in the search.

Nkohli said today, Sunday 26 October, that the operation was temporarily halted due to unsafe weather conditions. The area is in dense forest with some ravines.

Van Zyl, a dental technician from Langebaan, was last seen on Tuesday while he was on the hiking trail at Storms River.

Nkohli said in a statement that he went to relieve himself, and never rejoined his hiking group.

Van Zyl was separated from his hiking group along the MTO Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve trail on Tuesday afternoon, in the direction of the Heuningbos hut to Sleepkloof hut. He was wearing denim shorts and khaki short-sleeve button-down shirt.