Following a gruelling, week-long search that gripped the Helderberg, family of 28-year-old Itumeleng Mekoa confirmed his tragic death after his body was discovered in the Helderberg Nature Reserve on Friday (10 July).

The Mekoa family sent a message of profound gratitude to all the rescue teams as well as friends, colleagues and members of the public who rallied behind them in their darkest hour.

The statement was met with an immediate overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers and condolences over the tragic turn of events.

“It is with a heavy and broken heart that we inform you that our beloved Itumeleng has been found, but he has unfortunately passed away,” the statement read.

The family expressed deep appreciation for the massive mobilisation of emergency services and community members who refused to give up hope.

They extended their heartfelt thanks to Somerset West police, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), Mekoa’s colleagues at Capitec Bank Stellenbosch and the countless individuals who shared missing person alerts online.

“Your overwhelming love, support and prayers have sustained us during this incredibly difficult week. Please continue to pray for our family as we process this painful loss and navigate the days ahead,” the statement continued.

CONCERNS ESCALATES INTO EMERGENCY

While the family begins to process their loss, Somerset West police spokesperson Warrant Officer Suzan Jantjies confirmed that an inquest has officially been registered to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mekoa’s death.

The ordeal began on Saturday 4 July, when he set off for a hike in the reserve on his own. He remained in contact with a friend via WhatsApp during the walk, but communication abruptly stopped at one point.

According to emergency tracking data, Mekoa’s last confirmed contact was around 15:00 on Sunday 5 July, placing him around 6,6 km into his hike near the neck of Helderberg Dome.

Deep concern escalated into an official emergency when Mekoa did not report for his shift at work on Monday 6 July. A missing person’s docket was opened on Tuesday 7 July, prompting a massive, multi-agency rescue effort.

Over several days specialised K9 units, WSAR, and members of the Mountain Club of South Africa braved difficult terrain, searching the Protea and Waboom routes, Disa Gorge and the dome itself.

Searchers also deployed advanced thermal imaging and high-definition drones to scan the peaks. Tragically, the search came to an end when Mekoa’s body was found on Friday. It is believed he fell to his death.

Memorial and funeral details had not been finalised at the time of printing.