CAPE TOWN - The search for 28-year-old mentally challenged Stephan Naudé continues after he disappeared while hiking along Stellenbosch Mountain.
Naudé’s sister, Suzanne, put out an urgent plea to help search for her brother who was last seen on CCTV footage at the suspension bridge, “Hangbrug” at around 1pm last Wednesday.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the search continues.
“This office confirms that 28-year-old Stephan Naude from Stellenbosch went missing on Wednesday when he went hiking on one of the hiking trails in Stellenbosch. SAPS, Metro Search and Rescue and other role-players have been searching for him since last week, but could not find him,” said Van Wyk.
According to missing persons organisation Pink Ladies, Naudé is mentally challenged.
“He was picked up by CCTV going in the direction of Stellenbosch mountain, Coetzenburg...he has not returned home. He is mentally challenged and needs his medication,” their poster read.
Naudé was last seen wearing a pair of glasses, hiking boots, khaki shorts, a blue shirt and a khaki hat.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) spokesperson, Johan Marais said a search party had been out to assist, but the intensive search has since been called off while SAPS continues their investigation.
“Should any new information become available WSAR would be prepared to resume a search in collaboration with the authorities. In the meantime, we express our appreciation to the fire brigade of Stellenbosch, the university's security services as well as the various neighbourhood watch groupings who assisted us,” said Marais.
WSAR had co-ordinated a 50-people strong team in its fourth day of the search.
“The missing person crossed the river on Wednesday at 13:40 and has not returned home or been seen since Wednesday.
“The searchers have been assisted by the AMS helicopter contracted to the Western Cape Department of Health and EMS's drone unit. Trail runners and people from all walks of life have volunteered and assisted our teams in our searches along the slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain,” Marais said.
Anyone with information on Naudé’s whereabouts is urged to contact Stellenbosch duty officer on 082 559 4646.
Cape Times