The search continues for a hiker who went missing along the Silvermine trails after he left his home in Steenberg last week.
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On 29 April, Allister Stanbull, left his home in Steenberg. His vehicle, a Renault Kwid, was discovered in the parking area of the Silvermine reserve, where he was known to hike. Stanbull has not returned home.
A missing persons case was opened at SAPS, and today the Provincial Search and Rescue conducted an extensive search of the area, requesting assistance from the City.
The City deployed hundreds of personnel, including search teams accompanied by members of SANParks, TMNP, and WSAR, while the CoCTs assigned investigators from our SSIU and SSIMS.
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‘In the instance of any discovery, we knew it was essential to protect any potential crime scene and to prevent any form of evidence from becoming contaminated,’ explained mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
‘Our divers from Fire and Rescue worked alongside those from SAPS Dive Unit, as well as SAPS K9 Unit, from their Search and Rescue. Our Drone teams worked along with our Provincial EMS Drone teams, where all efforts were properly coordinated and documented on site, from our Disaster Risk Management, mobile Joint Operations Centre.’
By 2pm, teams had covered all hiking trails, the dam area, and all surrounding terrain. So far, no signs have been discovered, and the search continues.
‘Thus far, the entire investigation has been properly conducted, without any influence or disruption from external political parties. The search was thouroughly performed, the area searched by using the grid methodology and everything recorded in detail, added Smith. ‘While we are still searching for the missing person, today was a good example what can be achieved if we respect the lawful process and if all agencies work together.’
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The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed a missing persons report has been opened for investigation.
‘On Monday Alistair told his wife that he is going for a hike and left his premises in Steenberg and never returned. His vehicle was found on Ou Kaapse Weg on Tuesday morning, April 30. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a grey long-sleeve t-shirt and khaki hiking pants,’Twigg said.
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Picture: JP Smith/ Facebook