The search for missing Oudtshoorn farmer Saag Jonker has ended in tragedy.
Jonker’s son, Hein Jonker, has confirmed that his father’s body was found inside his brown Toyota Land Cruiser after the vehicle was located in the Olifants River about 300 metres from the bridge.
According to information from the scene, police divers located the bakkie between the low-water bridge where Jonker was swept away on Sunday afternoon and the section of river where search teams had earlier started their operation.
The discovery comes after an extensive search involving police divers, drones, an AMS helicopter, farmers, volunteers and members of the local community. The search had been hampered by the strength of the flooded river, which initially made diving operations too dangerous.
Detectives and forensic specialists are now expected to join the operation as authorities work at the recovery scene.
The 85-year-old Jonker was swept away at around 13:00 on Sunday while crossing a low-water bridge over the flooded Olifants River, about 3 km outside Oudtshoorn, while returning home after his usual farm rounds.
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