Saag Jonker missing after being swept away by Olifants River

Search operations are ongoing for Saag Jonker, an 85-year-old ostrich farmer, who was swept away by the Olifants River on Sunday, September 27. The incident occurred near a low-water bridge in the Rooiheuwel district, approximately 3 km outside of Oudtshoorn, while Jonker was returning home from farm inspections.

Jonker's vehicle, a brown Toyota Land Cruiser, was also swept away by the strong currents. The river is currently in flood following heavy rainfall in the catchment area south of Beaufort-West. While police divers, drones, and a helicopter have been deployed in the search, authorities noted that the river's flow was initially too strong for diving operations.

As water levels have begun to recede, search teams may have better opportunities to explore parts of the river. The Jonker family, which has operated the Saag Jonker Group since 1976, has expressed gratitude for the community support and has requested privacy during this difficult time.