Tributes are pouring in following the tragic death of prominent Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer, 85-year-old Sagaria “Saag” Jonker, whose Toyota Land Cruiser was swept away in the Olifants River on Sunday, 27 September.

Jonker had attempted to cross a low-water bridge on Sunday when his vehicle was swept away. The river was in full flood after heavy rain in its catchment area south of Beaufort West.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Christopher Spies says police divers found the Land Cruiser on Tuesday afternoon, about 300m from the bridge where Jonker vanished. He was still inside the vehicle.

In a statement last night, Jonker’s family expressed their deep gratitude that he was found, following three days of “uncertainty, hope, prayer, and a tireless search.”

Although deeply saddened, the family says there is also a sense of gratitude and peace knowing he has been found, allowing them to bring him home and properly bid him farewell together.

The Jonker family expressed their sincere thanks to the South African Police Service and police divers, WPDS – Southern Cape, K9 Search & Rescue, as well as everyone who assisted with boats, drones, vehicles, and other equipment.

“Above all, we are grateful to our Creator that Grandpa has been found. To every person who searched, hoped, prayed, and wept with us: Thank you. We will never forget it.”

The Oudtshoorn community has paid tribute to “Oom Saag”:

The Saag Jonker Group of Companies was founded in 1976 and became the largest privately-owned vertically-integrated ostrich farming, processing and marketing operation in the world.

The Group is recognised throughout the international market for providing superior quality exotic ostrich leather and feathers to the ostrich industry worldwide.