A search operation is underway after a helicopter with four people on board disappeared in the Kruger National Park on Monday.

The aircraft went missing during a routine investigation into a carcass discovery. On board were a pilot, two South African Police Service investigators and an environmental crime investigator.

The team departed at approximately 09:00 on 6 April and failed to return as expected. Attempts to establish communication with the crew were unsuccessful due to poor signal reception. Authorities suspect the helicopter may have been flying at low altitude.

Multiple attempts to reach the occupants via mobile phones and other communication channels yielded no results. The crew was reported missing in the evening, prompting an immediate search response.

A helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities and drones were deployed to assist in locating the missing aircraft. Poor weather conditions forced the withdrawal of the search helicopter, but drones continued operations throughout the night.

The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said the team was conducting their duties on a public holiday.

“We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to locate the missing members. This morning, Tuesday 7 April, we aim to resume search operations with an expanded resource base, which includes the deployment of additional helicopters and personnel dedicated to this crucial mission. We will continue to search tirelessly until we find our colleagues, remaining hopeful for their safe return,” Mkhwanazi said.

Additional helicopters and search personnel are being deployed on Tuesday to intensify the search efforts.