A search and rescue team has recovered the body of a biker at Bloukrans Bridge, Tsitsikamma, who plunged to his death. He was identified as Matthys Cornelis Bothma (47) from Gauteng. No foul play is suspected.

A media statement by the office of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner confirmed the recovery of the body yesterday.

The retrieval operation lasted almost three hours and with the assistance of an SA Air Force helicopter from Gqeberha, Bothma’s was airlifted from a depth of 180m from the top of the bridge.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Brigadier John Lebok, commended the search and rescue team responsible for the recovery of Bothma.

It is suspected that Bothma died between Sunday, November 6 and Monday, November 7.

On Monday at about 15:15 SAPS Storms River was alerted to a suspicious motor bike that was parked partially in bushes near the Bloukrans Bridge. A search was conducted immediately to locate the owner of the bike.

“With the use of binoculars, police spotted something colourful in the bushes below the bridge which raised a suspicion. Early on Tuesday morning, Gqeberha K9 Search and Rescue Unit, SAPS Diving Unit, Metro EMS (Gqeberha and Sarah Baartman) and SAPS Stormsriver members were deployed to the bridge,” read the statement.

The Search and Rescue team established that the only way to retrieve the body was by using air support.  On Wednesday, retrieval attempts were suspended due to strong winds and rain.

“Today [Thursday], at about 11:30, with the assistance of SA Air Force from Gqeberha, the K9 Search and Rescue Unit and the SAPS Diving unit commenced with the recovery operation.
Almost three hours later at 14:15pm the body of Bothma was airlifted from a depth of 180m from the top of the bridge.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Lebok attributed this successful recovery to the expertise and experience of all involved.

“This was one of the most difficult recoveries that our members have undertaken. As part of their duties, they risked their own lives by abseiling from such a precarious height. It is clear that these members are well skilled and trained in their field of search and rescue. The services of the SA Air Force is appreciated and we thank them for their assistance.  The efforts of the entire team is highly commendable,’ added Lebok.