Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Missing SAPS Helicopter Found in Kruger With All Four Alive

Police open an inquiry into the incident.

Overview

  • Search teams found the helicopter the next morning after an overnight search, with all four occupants unharmed.
  • The flight was a routine environmental-crime mission to inspect an animal carcass in the park, carrying a pilot, two SAPS investigators and an Environmental Crime Investigator.
  • The crew made a safe landing in dense bush, spent the night, then waved to a SANParks helicopter that located them.
  • A weak signal blocked contact with the aircraft, with suspected low flying likely making reception worse.
  • The search used drones and a night-vision helicopter, though bad weather grounded the helicopter while drones continued through the night.