More than two months after 60-year-old Rika Norris disappeared during a walk at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West her family is turning to the public for help in funding an expanded search effort, led by her daughter, Hester, who has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to raise much-needed funds.

Rika was last seen at approximately 10:00 on Saturday 23 May, when she set out for a walk at Lourensford and did not return. Her disappearance was reported the following day, prompting an immediate search operation involving local police and various role-players. Despite an extensive search that continued for two weeks, including the deployment of specialised divers, no trace of her was found. Rika’s dog, who accompanied her on the walk, returned home eight days later without her.

READ ALSO: “Somerset West woman Rika Norris still missing after a month,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 30 June.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the matter remained under investigation. “There are no new developments to report at this stage. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and the investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.”

A family’s heartbreak

The Norris family has been left devastated by the disappearance, and Hester had taken matters into her own hands by championing a BackaBuddy campaign entitled “Finding Missing Rika Norris” to help fund the search.

“As a family we are devastated and heartbroken by her disappearance,” Hester wrote on the campaign page. “We desperately need answers and closure regarding what happened to our mother.

“To assist in the search we would like to employ a satellite tracking service that may help identify her whereabouts and provide us with much-needed information. We will also seek the assistance of any other organisation, in whatever form necessary, to help find my mother. Whether she is found alive or deceased we need to find her and bring certainty to this painful situation.”

Community rallies

The campaign has a goal of R17 000 to cover the cost of the satellite-tracking service and other significant search-related expenses. At the time of publication R11 470 had already been raised through 16 unique donors, with contributions ranging from R200 to R2 000.

Donors have left messages of support alongside their contributions, reflecting the community’s deep concern. One donor wrote: “We are praying for your safe return, Rika.” Another said: “Mag julle al die antwoorde vind.” (May you find all the answers.) A third added: “Baie sterkte. Ons bid vir antwoorde, hoop en closurevir julle almal.” (Much strength to you. We pray for answers, hope and closure for you all.)

“We would be deeply grateful for any contribution, no matter how small, towards helping us fund this search effort and bring our family closer to finding answers,” Hester said. “Thank you for your kindness, support and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

How to help

Anyone who may have seen Rika or had any information that could assist investigators was urged to contact Sgt Dawid Stimela directly on 079 894 0115, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

• To contribute to the BackaBuddy campaign, visit the page “Finding Missing Rika Norris.”