Four people who were reported missing after a helicopter disappeared inside the Kruger National Park have been found alive and unharmed, bringing a dramatic end to an overnight search operation.
The group — comprising a pilot, two South African Police Service (SAPS) investigators and an environmental crime investigator — was located on Tuesday morning after spending the night in a remote area of dense bush.
According to a media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, the helicopter had gone missing on Monday, 06 April 2026, during a routine investigation. The team had been dispatched following reports of a carcass discovered within the park, prompting authorities to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The helicopter departed at approximately 09:00 on Monday but failed to return as scheduled. Attempts to establish communication with the crew proved unsuccessful, reportedly due to poor signal conditions and the likelihood that the aircraft had been flying at a low altitude.
As concerns grew, a search operation was launched. Authorities deployed another helicopter equipped with night-vision technology, as well as drones, to scour the vast terrain. However, deteriorating weather conditions forced the helicopter to withdraw, leaving drones to continue the search overnight.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, had earlier assured that every available resource would be used to locate the missing team.
“We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to locate the missing members,” Mkhwanazi said at the time, adding that search operations would resume with expanded resources the following morning.
The breakthrough came on Tuesday when a SANPARKS helicopter spotted the group in the bush. The occupants reportedly waved to attract attention, leading to their successful rescue.
Preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter had safely landed in a remote area on Monday. However, after disembarking, the group became disoriented while navigating through thick vegetation and was unable to relocate the aircraft. They were then forced to spend the night outdoors.
Despite the ordeal, all four individuals were found in good condition, with no injuries reported.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed the positive outcome, stating that the team is safe and receiving the necessary support following their rescue.
The incident highlights both the challenges faced by law enforcement operating in remote and rugged environments, as well as the risks associated with aerial operations in areas with limited communication coverage.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the condition or location of the helicopter, nor the specifics of the investigation that led the team into the park.
The successful rescue has been met with relief, particularly after initial fears for the safety of the crew grew overnight.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
