Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a helicopter carrying four occupants, which went missing in the Kruger National Park, has been found and all individuals on board are safe and unharmed.
Police confirmed that the helicopter went missing on Monday while officers were conducting an investigation into an animal carcass found inside the park.
The group included the pilot, two SAPS investigators, and an Environmental Crime Investigator.
According to SAPS, the helicopter had already safely landed in a remote area on Monday, 06 April 2026, but the occupants became stranded while attempting to move through thick bushland.
The police service explained: “The group, which includes the pilot and two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday, 06 April 2026, but as they attempted to navigate through thick bush, they could not.”
They spent the night in the bush before being located on Tuesday morning.
SAPS said the group was eventually spotted by a search team using a SANParks helicopter after they were seen signalling for help.
The statement added: “After spending the night in the bushes, they were spotted this morning by a search team, using helicopter from SANPARKS, as they waved for assistance.”
Authorities confirmed that all four occupants are in good condition following their rescue.
