Concern as prominent explorer goes missing in Drakensberg
The mother of a missing hiker, who hasn't been heard from in over a week, says she's growing increasingly anxious with each passing day.
Eco-explorer Johan van Coller is on a solo journey hiking from Cape Agulhas to Mount Kilimanjaro.
The 32-year-old Capetonian took off from the southernmost tip of Africa at the end of January.
Last week Monday, he left Witsieshoek in the Drakensberg.
That was the last time Madeleine de Villiers heard from her son.
She says Van Coller has always been an adventurer and therefore she and her son have a communication deal.
"There wasn't any discussion on when he'll be back he just said he is going into the Drakensberg and he knows there is a bad signal.
"But we had a conversation that he would contact me every three days. For his entire time that he has been travelling since January, that was our rule that he would make contact or post on Facebook or Instagram at least."
De Villiers says she wasn't worried the first few days, but as time went past she became concerned.
"Obviously, the nerves set in and I get all anxious and worked up. No sleep, no eating, sitting outside and doing stuff trying to get my mind at ease."
A missing person's case has been opened at Ntabamhlophe Police Station in Estcourt.
