Update
GEORGE NEWS - The search continues for the 81-year-old Gerhardus 'Gert' David Hills from Knysna, who has now been missing for nearly three weeks.
Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, volunteer networks and private security teams, his whereabouts remain unknown.
But the efforts were expanded this week with Specialised Security Services (SSS), led by investigator Mike Bolhuis, who offered their services free of charge to assist the family, alongside the police, the George Community Police Forum (CPF), AfriForum Farm Watch, various neighbourhood watches, private security companies and volunteers.
SSS has urged the public not to delay when reporting missing persons and to avoid sharing misinformation, jokes or insensitive comments around this case.
"If you have relevant information, no matter how small, please contact us directly," said SSS's specialist investigator, Chris Coetser.
Hills, a well-known pigeon fancier, left his home in Kamdebo Avenue, Old Place, on Friday 18 July to buy pigeon food in town, but he never returned.
Surveillance footage later tracked his silver-grey Nissan Juke (registration number CX 14107) through George to Mossel Bay and ultimately to the Little Brak River off-ramp on the N2 at about 19:00 that evening - his last confirmed sighting. He was travelling in George's direction.
The vehicle has visible damage on the left rear bumper, with black scuff marks and dents below the taillight.
The poster that has been circulating on social media.
What we know so far
To date, the George CPF has logged more than 208 hours of on-foot and vehicle patrols, 10 hours of drone surveillance in difficult terrain and 85 hours of footage reviewed from petrol stations and intersections.
The search area now includes Little Brak River and Robinson Pass, where efforts are ongoing. The investigators are also reviewing licence plate recognition (LPR) camera data and are consulting remote intuitives, although no new leads have emerged.
Hills' son, Marius, expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who is involved in the search.
"I'm incredibly grateful to Timothy Luff [George CPF's search co-ordinator] and the CPF team, the police and everyone involved in the search who refuse to give up. It's truly amazing to see how people are helping, showing kindness, and doing all they can to solve this case. Our family is deeply thankful and humbled by how selflessly everyone is assisting in the search for my dad. For that, we will be forever grateful."
Hills' description
Gert Hills has a tall, slender build, stands 1.8m tall and weighs about 85kg. He has brown eyes and wears dark-rimmed spectacles, with medium-length black and grey hair. His facial features include thin lips, large ears and a short, broad nose.
He has no distinguishing marks and was possibly wearing a green jumper, grey tracksuit pants and navy Adidas sneakers at the time of his disappearance.
How you can help
The SAPS' missing person's case number is 03/07/2025. Anyone who might have seen Hills or his vehicle is urged to contact the authorities immediately.
• Warrant Officer James Visagie: 073 244 6154
• Crime Stop (anonymous): 08600 10111
• You may also contact Timothy Luff on 078 317 4822 with information or to join the local search effort and relevant WhatsApp group.
• Chris Coetser of Specialised Security Services on 082 457 4007.
Read a previous article: Search continues for missing man, Gert Hills
The vehicle Hills was driving at the time of his disappearance. Photo: Facebook
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