Namahadi, free state -After the discovery of the body of an unknown man, a search and rescue operation was successfully performed in the Thaba Bosiu Mountains in the free state, near the Kwazulu-Natal limit.
The body was discovered by local hunters between smooth cliffs on Tuesday 5 August. Helicopters of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the Sasolburg Search and Rescue Unit were deployed to pick up the body.
The operation was delayed for two days due to bad weather conditions, making it difficult to maneuver on the mountainous terrain. The scene, about eight kilometers from the nearest villages, was inaccessible for vehicles, says Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, police spokesperson.
The exemption -aarwing unit was activated for picking up, with his female main helicopter pilot, lieutenant -colonel kgotsoeso khunou, accompanied by crew members Sergeant Campbell, and Constable Tshabalala. However, due to the weather conditions – including fog – and the type of helicopter that was initially available, they could not reach the site.
Khunou contacted colleagues from the Gauteng Airwing Unit, who arranged a more suitable helicopter for the site.
On Friday, August 8, around 11 am, the team returned to the Berg with the Sasolburg Search and Rescue Unit. By about 15:00 the body of a man, estimated at 25 and 35 years old, was restored. The deceased was dressed in black and red track pants with the label “LS” in white and red, along with a camouflage top. The body was at an advanced stage of decomposition and no visible injuries were noticed.
A post-mortem study will be conducted to determine the cause of death and a research case is being investigated. The identity of the deceased remains unknown.
- Anyone who may have lost a family member or has information that could help identify the deceased, is encouraged to contact the Namahadi Politiebureau. Call Detective Warrant Officer Nhlapo on 078 116 1241 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Khunou first female main helicopter pilot in the Saps Airwing Free State
Lieutenant -Kolonel Kgothatso Khunou is the first female main helicopter pilot in the Saps Airwing Free State. In 2024 she won the prestigious forty under 40 prize in the aviation category.
She was the first female main helicopter pilot at the South African police service Airwing in the Free State.
Her aviation career started in 2010 and by 2012 she had earned the license from her commercial pilot permit. In 2014 she joined the SAPs and has since been involved in numerous flying operations. Khunou also has commercial, business and private pilot licenses, as well as other qualifications, including those of a biotechnologist.
Helena Barnard
mthathaexpress.co.za
