A recovery operation was undertaken in the Drakensberg mountains below Cathedral Peak, where the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue team, with support from the Pietermaritzburg K9 Search and Rescue and Ladysmith K9 units, responded to a request from the Upper Tugela South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday morning, 3 July 2025.
Due to the remote and inaccessible location, assistance from the Pretoria Airwing was requested, with coordination managed through the uTugela District Office.
“Earlier this morning, members were airlifted to the area pointed out by a witness. The witness discovered a body in the Thonyelana River, at the base of a 40-metre waterfall,” the SAPS stated in an official release. The witness also reported seeing what may have been a second victim on a ledge approximately 30 metres above the base of the waterfall.
Rescue teams were hoisted onto the ledge to carry out a detailed search. While clothing was recovered, no further evidence of a second victim was found.
Additionally, the SAPS confirmed that the body retrieved from the river was that of a 39-year-old Lesotho national. The body was airlifted to the nearest accessible road and handed over to Health Department officials for further processing.
Newcastillian News extends its condolences to the family of the deceased. The coordinated efforts of the search and rescue teams, along with the aerial support units, are acknowledged for their professionalism and care in carrying out this recovery in a challenging and isolated environment.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
