QWAQWA — The tragic search for two missing hunters, Sello Khala and Fana Nale, has concluded in Qwaqwa after their bodies were recovered from the summit of Sephokong Mountain. The discovery marks the end of an intensive multi-disciplinary search and rescue operation initiated when the men vanished during a local hunting expedition.
The incident originated on Sunday, 9 August 2026, when the men embarked on a hunting trip at Hatsoanyana Farm alongside companions. According to spokespersons for the Search and Rescue operation, the group was forced to separate due to sudden, dense, and misty weather conditions while navigating the rugged terrain of Sephokong Mountain. Although one member of the party successfully found his way back to safety, Khala and Nale did not return.
In response to urgent missing persons reports filed by their distressed families, authorities rapidly deployed a multi-disciplinary search party. The challenging mountainous landscape complicated the efforts, but on Friday, 14 August 2026, at approximately 12:30, rescue teams located the deceased body of 38-year-old Jerry Kgala, who was also identified as Sello Khala.
Refusing to halt operations despite the hazardous environment, the Search and Rescue teams persisted in their efforts. Their relentless work culminated on Monday, 24 August 2026, with the successful recovery of the second victim, identified as 22-year-old Lefa Nale, also known as Fana Nale.
Spokespersons for the search operation confirmed that both families have officially viewed and formally identified their loved ones. Authorities have announced that post-mortem examinations are scheduled to be conducted in due course to establish the precise cause of death for both individuals.
