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Police are now calling on the public to come forward with any information that might assist in locating the missing tourist.
The magnificent Augrabies Falls lie on the Orange River (also known as the Gariep River) within the Augrabies Falls National Park in the Northern Cape, 6 February 2021. The falls are pictured in full spate. Picture: Jim Freeman
A large-scale search operation has been launched after a 66-year-old tourist from Cape Town went missing at Augrabies Falls National Park, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The tourist, whose identity has not been released, checked into the park on Thursday, 10 April, and is believed to have embarked on a hike the following day.
“It is believed he went hiking on Friday, 11 April 2025,” said Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, police spokesperson for the region.
Capetonian tourist missing after hike at Augrabies Falls National Park
According to Ehlers, park officials became concerned when the man failed to return by late afternoon.
“When he failed to return at 4.30pm, Park Rangers became concerned and promptly reported the matter to the Augrabies police,” she explained.
The situation appeared more serious when rangers discovered the man’s possessions remained at his accommodation.
“His personal belongings and vehicle were still at the park,” Ehlers added.
A thorough search operation was immediately initiated, involving multiple specialised units from the South African Police Service (Saps).
“Members from Augrabies Saps, Saps Airwing, Upington Search and Rescue Unit, Upington K9 Unit, and a drone pilot are actively involved in the ongoing search effort,” Ehlers shared.
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Public assistance requested for missing tourist
Police are now calling on the public to come forward with any information that might assist in locating the missing tourist.
Anyone with potentially helpful information is urged to contact Captain Robert Turner at 082 770 4208 or Sergeant Tshepo Marungwana at 084 298 5101.
Alternatively, information can be shared via the Saps Crime Stop Number: 08600 10111.
Ehlers assured that “All information would be handled confidentially”.
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Park officials defer to police investigation
When approached for comment, Augrabies Falls National Park spokesperson Genevieve Maarsdorp maintained that the park is cooperating fully with law enforcement but could not provide additional details.
“At this stage, we cannot provide any further comment other than what Saps release. The investigation is still ongoing, and all information is treated as confidential,” Maarsdorp explained to The Citizen.
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