The aircraft was located on Tuesday (7/4) when all four occupants were found alive and unharmed. It disappeared on Monday, carrying a pilot, two police investigators, and an environmental crime investigator.

The team had been conducting a routine operation linked to an investigation into a carcass discovered within the park when contact with the helicopter was lost.

The crew departed at approximately 09:00 but failed to return as expected. Initial attempts to establish communication proved unsuccessful when poor signal conditions contributed to the breakdown in contact. The helicopter may have been flying at a low altitude, further complicating communication efforts.

“The group had safely landed in a remote area on Monday, but as they attempted to navigate through the thick bush, they could not find the chopper,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli.

“After spending the night in the bushes, they were spotted this morning by the search team, using a helicopter from SanParks, as they waved for assistance.”

All attempts to reach the crew via their cell phones and other means were unsuccessful. Only that evening, authorities realised something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them.

A helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities as well as drones were deployed to assist in the search efforts. Due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn but the drones continued their search throughout the night.

“The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) confirms the search and rescue operation has now been concluded,” said ARCC chief Gregory Critchley. “We extend our sincere gratitude to SanParks, Saps, Sarza (Limpopo and Gauteng), Sappi, and all other partners whose swift collaboration ensured the safe recovery of the crew.”

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