Update: Oribi Gorge swing still closed

Update: March 12

THE world’s highest swing at Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge, the scene of the recent tragic death of adventure guide Thokozani Robson Mncube (26),  has not yet been reopened to the public.

The swing was closed after Thokozani, in an apparent attempt to perform a trick jump of his own devising, plunged 165 metres to his death on Friday, February 28.

Wild 5’s operation manager, Luke Williamson, said investigations were still under way and the department of labour had requested that external specialists inspect the entire swing system before it was reopened. “The Oribi Gorge view site was reopened last Wednesday,” he said.

Mr Williamson confirmed that a plaque in honour of Thokozani was on order and was scheduled to be  installed by the end of this week.  He added that all the Wild 5 staff attended Thokozani’s funeral service which was held at his home just outside Bergville last weekend.

Update: March 1

In a statement released by Wild 5 Adventures earlier today, the man who died yesterday was identified as Wild 5 Adventures employee, Thokozani Robson. According to the statement, the tragedy occurred while Thokozani was attempting a trick jump. While jumping backwards and attempting a twist at the same time, he landed over another cable far to the left of the swing, the statement continued. ‘He then unfortunately slid along this cable, cutting through both his jump sling and safety backup sling (six ton breaking strain).

‘While every safety precaution is in place for normal operation of the swing, there is always an element of risk in performing stunts. Thokozani has been a valued employee with Wild 5 for over a year and a half, as an adventure guide. He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues whose heartfelt condolences go out to his family,’ read the statement.

Wild 5 and the Oribi Gorge view sites will be closed until March 5 for employee counselling and further investigation.

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Friday, February 28

IT is believed a man died after a tragic accident at the Wild Swing in Oribi Gorge this afternoon. The man, who is thought to be an employee at the Wild Gorge Swing, apparently plunged to his death after a cable appears to have snapped.

At this stage, reports have not been officially confirmed by the police, but Port Shepstone Search and Rescue and emergency services are said to be at the scene. An employee from the Wild Gorge Swing declined to comment, when contacted by Herald reporters.