Mr Kang Huiyeol, aged 74 in 2013, went missing close to the lodge’s entrance, while visiting family members residing at Uitkyk.

The rugged terrain in which he disappeared consists of steep mountains and valleys, with the Klein Olifants River flowing through dense bushveld.

He was last sighted by informal dwellers shortly after police launched a search and rescue operation following news of his disappearance.

The dwellers said that he ran towards the river when he saw a police chopper screening the area.

Mr Huiyeol was staying with his brother-in-law, Pastor Sahak Baek, who was resident preacher at the Uitkyk Church at the time of his disappearance.

Shortly after vanishing, the family told the Middelburg Observer that Mr Huiyeol had been suffering bouts of forgetfulness, which they attributed to his age.

After the last sighting, police divers focused on the area where Mr Huiyeol was seen entering the river.

Divers however called off the search after three days. Foot and air patrols however continued for two weeks, without any success.

The SAPS off road rescue, and dog unit, also combed the vast bushy area without even a hint of Mr Huiyeol’s whereabouts.

Mr Huiyeol was set to fly back to his native Korea four days after his disappearance, spurring some of the search members closely involved with rescue operations that “he doesn’t want to be found”.

The area is also known to be home to leopards.