The body of a 53-year-old man was recovered from Lion’s Head on Monday, June 21. He allegedly jumped to his death. According to Wilderness Search and Rescue spokesperson Johann Marais, the man’s body was already found on Sunday, June 20. However, fire and rescue services were prevented from attempting any rescue mission on account of the fire that broke out.
As reported by IOL, resident Collins Ngonidzashe said that bystanders expressed that they had seen the man jump from the edge of the cliff. Ngonidzashe further indicated that he joined two guys as they made their way up the mountain to search for the body.
Ngonidzashe adds that one of the guys who discovered the man’s body presumed he was dead and that he had a broken neck. However, it was later reported that the man was still alive, only for this portion of information to be proven inaccurate.
Ngonidzashe explained that he was going up and down the mountain to give updates to those who were in communication with the emergency services. He indicated that twenty minutes after leaving the site, he saw the fire and this is when rescuers rushed up the mountain to try and retrieve the body.
According to the Human Narrative on Facebook, conclusions shouldn’t be drawn around the reasons for the man losing his life. “The mental strain we endured over the past 17 months, might only be presenting itself now for some. Mental health is a constant struggle and not a battle that can be won. To live a life with continuous negative thoughts is not a path to be walked alone. Ask for help, and help those who ask. We all can’t solve our problems alone,” the post reads on the Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Warrant officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that the body of a 53-year-old man was recovered and was airlifted by a helicopter from the slopes of the mountain. Cape Town police have also registered an inquest for further investigation.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery