Missing Man Is Found, Trapped Under A Rock For 5 Days in Bethlehem

A man who went missing on 16 November 2017 has been found alive near Omdraai farm in Bethlehem, South Africa. He was trapped under a rock in the area for five days.

His rescuers initially thought he was dead and say it is a miracle that he is still alive, after having had no food or water in that time.

The missing man – Louis Strydom (38) was found by AfriForum’s Bethlehem branch last night in cooperation with the South African Support Initiative (S.A.S.I), a non-profit organisation that focusses on locating missing persons.

Information about Strydom’s disappearance had been circulated by the organisations. Yesterday – 21 November – a lead was received at approximately 13h00.

Isoldé Laesecke, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Bethlehem branch, and Ruan Steinhobel from S.A.S.I combed the area where Strydom was last seen and first located his vehicle, thereafter followed his footprints and eventually found Strydom trapped under a rock.

According to Laesecke it initially seemed as if Strydom was already dead, but upon closer inspection they could however see that he was alive and immediately sent for emergency services.

Laesecke adds that it took rescue workers about three hours to stabilise and get Strydom out from under the rock. He was taken to Hoogland Mediclinic by Emer-G-Med, where he is currently recuperating.

Strydom was severely dehydrated, but sustained no further serious injuries.

“We understand that the man was trapped under the rock for up to five days, with no food or water. It is a miracle that he is still alive,” says Laesecke.

“Thanks to cooperation and information from the community Strydom was saved and can return to his family,” says Hennie Bekker, Spokesperson for AfriForum. The group is also providing trauma counselling to Strydom and his family.

No details were provided as to how Strydom came to be trapped under the rock.