Missing helicopter in Kruger found, four occupants safe

By Charmaine Ndlela

A helicopter that went missing in the Kruger National Park on Monday has been located, with all occupants found alive and unharmed.

The aircraft, carrying four people, including the pilot, two SAPS forensic investigators, and an environmental crime investigator from SANParks, disappeared during a crime scene investigation following the discovery of rhino carcasses.

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According to officials, the helicopter had safely landed in a remote, densely vegetated area, but the team became disoriented while navigating through thick bush and were unable to relocate the aircraft.

SANParks said the GPS device also ran out of battery power. The occupants spent the night in the wilderness before being spotted on Tuesday morning.

Search and rescue teams, supported by SANParks, located the group after they signalled for help. A SANParks helicopter was deployed in the operation. Aerial and ground