Mother and sister, Madeleine de Villers and Lizanne van Coller, who have not heard from Eco- explorer Johann van Coller in the last ten days, say that they are sick with worry and serious concerns of his safety are growing more and more concerning with each passing day.
Capetonian, Johann van Coller, 32, is an adventurer by heart and this was one of his many adventure challenges – a solo hike at L’Agulhas, the most southern tip of Africa. He began the hike on 1 February and planned to finish at the highest tip of Africa, Kilimanjaro. Speaking to Lizanne van Coller, Johann’s sister, she said he is experienced and knows the type of terrain, but it would have been his first hike across the Drakensberg. “We had a deal made that he will check in at least once a day, and if not possible, he will contact me or my mom on the third day, but we have not heard anything and his last known whereabouts were when he left for Witsieshoek in the Drakensberg.”
Johann is an entrepreneur and adventure athlete. Lizanne van Coller told The Ladysmith Herald that his phone has been off for more than a week with no response from him. “That alarmed us as he has always checked in as discussed.” She added that he has been away from the family for long periods of time, while doing expeditions, but never without making contact. “We are devastated, worried sick and exhausted. As you can imagine, when someone you love just suddenly disappears, it has a major toll on all of us as we are a tight-knit family,” said Lizanne. Lizanne further added that there has been an amazing response from all over, the rescue teams on the ground, the friends willing to assist and social media has exploded with his story. “We are so grateful and truly appreciate all the efforts, and pray that he is found safe.”
A missing persons case was opened on Tuesday, 26 October, at the Ntabamhlophe Police Station in Estcourt after the family was instructed by the rescue teams. Lizanne said that in the last conversation they had, he said he will be going into the mountains but gave no confirmation as to where he will go or start. “If anyone knows about his whereabouts or might have seen him, please contact the Ntambamhlophe Police Station in Estcourt on 036-353-4003.” Johann van Coller’s last entry made on his Facebook page, Barefoot Magicman, said that he was at Giant’s Castle in the Imbabazane area, Estcourt. He also mentioned that he had met up with Round Table members from Winterton.
