RIP | Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer Saag Jonker found dead in Olifants River

Well-known Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer Sagaria “Saag” Jonker has been found dead inside his Toyota Land Cruiser, three days after floodwaters swept his vehicle off a low-water bridge.

The 85-year-old was found by police divers in the raging Olifants River on Tuesday, 29 September.

His Land Cruiser was located approximately 300 metres from the low-water bridge in the Rooiheuwel area, about 3km outside Oudtshoorn, where Jonker disappeared on Sunday afternoon.

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Christopher Spies confirmed that a vehicle and the body of a man were recovered from the river at around 15:00.

Swept away by flooded river

Jonker had been returning home after his usual Sunday morning rounds of his farms when he attempted to cross the low-water bridge at approximately 12:50.

The river was in full flood following heavy rain in its catchment area south of Beaufort West.

His family said the force of the water swept the brown Land Cruiser off the bridge and into the river.

A security guard and a woman living near the river witnessed the vehicle being swept away and raised the alarm.

An extensive search followed, involving police divers, K9 search and rescue teams, local police, the Oudtshoorn fire department, an AMS helicopter, drones, farmers and volunteers.

Difficult river conditions initially hampered diving operations.

Police divers, K9 teams, local police and firefighters returned to the water early on Tuesday and eventually located the vehicle and Jonker’s body.

Family confirms tragic death

The Jonker family confirmed his death on Tuesday night.

“Though our hearts are very sore, there is also a great sense of gratitude and acceptance that we found him, that we can now bring him home, and that we as a family can say a proper goodbye to him,” the family said.

Police have opened an inquest, while a post-mortem examination is expected later this week to establish the cause of death.

A giant of the ostrich industry

Jonker established the Saag Jonker group in 1976 and built it into a business involved in farming, processing and exporting ostrich products from the Klein Karoo.

The Agricultural Writers’ Association of South Africa named him Farmer of the Year in 2000.

Oudtshoorn councillor Johan Allers described his death as a major loss for the town’s farming and business communities.

“Saag was one of the people who helped build Oudtshoorn’s name as the centre of the ostrich industry,” Allers said.

He added that Jonker’s business created jobs and livelihoods for employees and their families.

“Saag Jonker leaves behind much more than a farm. He leaves a life’s work that has become part of Oudtshoorn’s story. We will remember him with great respect.”