Cape Town – Western Cape police are investigating the death of an unidentified base jumper who was found dead on Table Mountain on Monday following a multi-agency search and rescue operation.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), together with several emergency services, responded to reports of a crashed base jumper on the mountain. After an extensive coordinated search, the individual was located but was declared deceased at the scene.
According to reports, the body was later airlifted from the mountain by helicopter and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said the deceased is believed to be a white male, but efforts to identify him are ongoing.
Base jumper fatally injured, Table Mountainhttps://t.co/XIBHEbnvv1#ArriveAlive #BaseJumping pic.twitter.com/sh6Wd9vHVk
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 5, 2026
“An unidentified white male sustained fatal injuries while jumping from the top of the mountain. Police are currently gathering information to ascertain his identity as the injuries on his face are too severe,” EWN quoted Gwala as saying.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and thanked rescue teams and volunteers involved in what he described as a challenging recovery operation.
“No further details are available at this time,” Nel said, according to Cape Argus.
The incident comes amid a series of recent accidents involving aerial sports on Cape Town’s mountains.
Three weeks ago, an Austrian paraglider was rescued from Lion’s Head after crashing in hazardous conditions.
In November, a fatal paragliding accident on the same mountain claimed the life of 36-year-old wingsuit pilot Jean-Jacques “JJ” Wallis, prompting the South African Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) to review safety protocols.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased in the Table Mountain incident or whether next of kin have been notified. SAPS will lead the investigation as more information becomes available.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
