Update, 12 November, 3pm:
Western Cape police have confirmed that the Frenchman was found earlier this morning. News24 further reported that he was consequently reunited with his friends. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg stated that he is due to fly back to his country later today. No further details have since been released.
Update, 12 November, 7am:
Despite rumours that Frenchman Gaetan Haussin, who went missing after a hike at Kirstenbosch Gardens on Sunday, has been found, neither SANParks, SAPS, nor the French Consulate have been able to confirm this.
This is according to News24, who contacted the three organisations who were unable to provide clarity on the matter.
A French tourist has gone missing after a hiking trip at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Watch: Station Strangler murders explored in new Showmax documentary
The man, who was part of a group of hikers, was last seen by his friends at Table View before heading to the iconic gardens on Sunday for a hike.
The tourist was part of a hiking group that made their way to the gardens earlier in the day. When the group returned to the starting point of their hike, the man was noticeably absent, prompting concern. His fellow hikers attempted to reach him, but there was no immediate response.
According to reports, the missing tourist made a phone call at approximately 10pm from the gate of Kirstenbosch Gardens, informing friends that he was en route. However, since that call, no further communication has been received, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities were alerted to the situation, and a search operation was quickly launched. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Claremont station, along with SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute) staff, are on the scene at Kirstenbosch Gardens. The gates to the popular garden were opened in the early hours of this morning, and an extensive search operation is underway to locate the missing tourist.
Further updates will be provided.
Also read:
Return to office boosts South Africa’s commercial property market
Picture: FireTruck Coffee / Facebook
