The body of renowned 85-year-old ostrich farmer Sagaria “Saag” Jonker has been found inside his Toyota Land Cruiser in the Olifants River near Oudtshoorn, three days after he was swept away while trying to cross a flooded low-water bridge.
Jonker went missing on Sunday after attempting to cross the bridge on Rooiheuwel Road. His vehicle was caught by the floodwaters and swept into the river, triggering a large search operation involving police, diving specialists, rescue teams and members of the local community.
His family confirmed on Tuesday that he had been found inside the vehicle. The discovery brought an end to three days of uncertainty, prayer and searching, but also left relatives preparing to mourn a much-loved father, grandfather and farming pioneer.
“After three incredibly difficult days of uncertainty, hope, prayer and an unrelenting search, we as a family are deeply grateful that Oupa was found inside his vehicle in the Olifants River,” the family said in a statement.
The family said they were devastated by Jonker’s death but felt a sense of peace because his whereabouts were no longer unknown and they could now bring him home and say goodbye properly.
“Although our hearts are deeply saddened, we also feel an immense sense of gratitude and peace that he has been found, that we can now bring him home, and that we, as a family, can say a proper farewell together.”
The search operation continued across difficult river conditions and challenging terrain. Several organisations and individuals contributed equipment and expertise, using boats, drones, vehicles and other resources to look for the missing farmer.
Jonker’s family expressed their gratitude to the Oudtshoorn community and to everyone who supported them during the three-day search.
“Our special thanks go to the South African Police Service and the police diving team, WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) Southern Cape, as well as K9 Search & Rescue, and to everyone who assisted with boats, drones, vehicles and other equipment,” the family said.
The family also thanked the people who spent long hours searching along the river and moving through difficult areas in the hope of finding Jonker alive.
“To those who spent hours searching along the river and through difficult terrain, and to every person who played any part in the search – we will never forget your help and dedication.”
Although the family had hoped for a different outcome, they said they were grateful that the painful uncertainty had ended.
“We are grateful that the uncertainty is over, that we know where he is, and that we can now say goodbye to him with love and dignity.”
Jonker was a respected figure in Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farming industry. He was the founder of the Saag Jonker Group and Ostrich Products South Africa, a business that grew into one of the world’s largest privately owned ostrich operations.
His work made him a prominent name in the Klein Karoo’s agricultural sector, where ostrich farming plays an important role in the local economy and identity of the region.
In 2000, Jonker was chosen from several hundred entrants as South Africa’s Farmer of the Year by the Agricultural Writers’ Association of South Africa. The recognition reflected his leadership, innovation and contribution to the ostrich industry in the Klein Karoo.
For many people in the farming community, Jonker’s death represents the loss of a man who helped shape the industry over several decades. His achievements extended beyond his own farm and business, with his work contributing to the growth and development of privately owned ostrich farming in South Africa.
His family described him as an extraordinary person whose place in their lives could never be filled. They said the next period would be devoted to grieving, remembering him and preparing to say farewell.
“Now begins our time to grieve, to remember, and to say farewell. To every person who searched, hoped, prayed and cried with us: thank you. We will never forget it.”
The circumstances of Jonker’s death will now be investigated. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies said an inquest docket had been opened.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted later this week to determine the cause of death. The results will form part of the investigation into the incident and may help establish what happened after Jonker’s vehicle was swept away by the floodwaters.
The search ended with the recovery of Jonker and his vehicle from the Olifants River, but the impact of his death will be felt across his family, the Oudtshoorn community and the wider ostrich farming industry.
For his relatives, the recovery has brought both grief and relief: grief because their beloved “Oupa” will not return home alive, and relief because they now know where he is and can give him a dignified farewell.