Update
GEORGE NEWS - The search for Themabakaya Rhamba (35), who went missing in the Outeniqua Mountain on Tuesday afternoon, 30 January, has been placed on hold.
Rhamba went missing when he and two of his colleagues from Working on Water went up Cradock Peak to clear pine trees. As the weather turned bad they decided to return but lost their way in the mountain due to the thick fog. Two members of the team were found on Wednesday morning, but Rhamba is still missing.
Yesterday the Skymed helicopter assisted the search party from the sky, covering impassable areas.
Members of the police with search and rescue dogs from Knysna and George covered the area next to the river. The 4x4 trails in the plantation were also searched.
Ground teams continued the search at the foot of the mountain with volunteers, hikers, personnel from Cape Nature Conservation, Working on Fire, police and firefighters. The search is led by the head of Metro rescue services, Richard Botha.
Other role players that assisted in the search include George and Eden firefighters, Hikers Network, Wildlife Fire, Working on Fire high altitude team, Lions Response Team and Firstcare Wild Fire.
According to Botha, they covered all the areas where Rhamba could possibly be.
The police investigation continues and emergency services can be activated at any stage. “We are relying on the hikers and mountain bikers to be our eyes and ears in the mountain at this stage,” said Botha.
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ARTICLE: KRISTY KOLBERG, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
More information to follow as it becomes available.
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