Oudtshoorn Farmer Saag Jonker Found Dead In Olifants River After Three-Day Search

Well-known Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer Sagaria “Saag” Jonker has been found dead inside his Toyota Land Cruiser, three days after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in the Klein Karoo.

Jonker, 85, disappeared on Sunday when he attempted to cross a low-water bridge in the Rooiheuwel area, about 3km outside Oudtshoorn.

His vehicle was discovered approximately 300 metres from the bridge on Tuesday, with police divers recovering both the Land Cruiser and Jonker’s body from the swollen Olifants River.

Saag Jonker Found After Three-Day Olifants River Search

Saag Jonker was recovered from the river at about 3pm on Tuesday following an extensive search involving police, emergency services and members of the local community.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed that a vehicle and the body of a man had been recovered from the river near Oudtshoorn.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Thembisa Murder: Estranged Husband Found Dead In Midrand After Boitumelo Mashita Was Shot

Police divers, K9 search and rescue teams, local officers and the Oudtshoorn fire department returned to the river early on Tuesday as efforts to locate the missing farmer continued.

An inquest has been opened, while a post-mortem examination is expected later this week to establish the cause of Jonker’s death.

Saag Jonker Swept Away While Crossing Flooded Bridge

Saag Jonker had been returning home after completing his usual Sunday morning rounds of his farms when the tragedy occurred at about 12.50pm.

His family said the river was in full flood following heavy rainfall in its catchment area south of Beaufort West, with the powerful current sweeping his brown Land Cruiser away.

A security guard at a nearby guardhouse and a woman living close to the river reportedly witnessed the vehicle being carried away and raised the alarm.

The subsequent search involved police divers, rescue personnel, an AMS helicopter, drone operators, farmers and volunteers, who scoured the river and surrounding banks for three days.

The Jonker family confirmed his death on Tuesday evening.

“Though our hearts are very sore, there is also a great sense of gratitude and acceptance that we found him, that we can now bring him home, and that we as a family can say a proper goodbye to him," they said in a statement.

Saag Jonker Remembered For Building Ostrich Farming Business

Saag Jonker began building what became the Saag Jonker group from a modest operation in 1976, eventually developing a business involved in farming, processing and exporting ostrich products from the Klein Karoo.

His contribution to the agricultural sector was recognised in 2000 when the Agricultural Writers’ Association of South Africa named him Farmer of the Year.

Oudtshoorn councillor Johan Allers, who leads the Freedom Front Plus in the town, described Jonker’s death as a major loss for the town’s business and farming communities and the wider Klein Karoo.

“Saag was one of the people who helped build Oudtshoorn’s name as the centre of the ostrich industry,” Allers said.

“His influence stretched far beyond his own farms. He built a large business, created jobs and showed what is possible in this region with hard work, perseverance and faith in it.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ninth Woman Found Dead In Ekurhuleni As Dawn Park Body Adds To Police Probe

“For Oudtshoorn, Saag was much more than a successful farmer and businessman. His business gave a living to employees and their families, and that is why his loss is felt so widely.

“Today we think especially of Hazel, his children and the whole Jonker family. A community can honour a man for his achievements, but for his loved ones the loss is deeply personal.”

Allers also recalled an incident at a 2011 farm awards ceremony when Jonker announced that he would write off a prize-winning employee’s vehicle loan.

The gesture followed the Jonker family supporting the worker and his siblings after their mother died.

Allers paid tribute to everyone involved in the search operation, including police divers, emergency personnel, farmers, workers and volunteers.

“Your willingness to help showed how the Klein Karoo stands together in a time of need,” Allers said.

“Saag Jonker leaves behind much more than a farm. He leaves a life’s work that has become part of Oudtshoorn’s story. We will remember him with great respect.”