A multi-agency search operation is currently underway in the Bainskloof area of Wellington, South Africa, for a 55-year-old man who went missing while on a walk. Jan Lingenfelder was last seen on Monday afternoon at around 5pm after leaving his home at Leeuwtuin Estate, opposite Antoniesvlei along Bainskloof Pass. He left without his cellphone and failed to return home, prompting his brother to report him missing at the Wellington Police Station at about 6:30am on Tuesday.
According to the Wellington Community Police Forum (CPF), Lingenfelder was wearing a grey K-Way jacket, black shorts, and blue takkies when he disappeared. The CPF said he may have walked in the direction of Cannetsfontein Farm, which features extensive mountainous areas, forests, and paths. This information has been crucial in guiding the search efforts, which have been ongoing since Tuesday.
The search operation, which involves various agencies including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Law Enforcement, Local Municipality, CPF members, CIB members, security companies, EMS services, and K9 with search and rescue dogs, was launched on Tuesday. The teams searched the area until 6pm on Tuesday and resumed the search on Wednesday morning. The SAPS K9 search-and-rescue dogs and the police Drone Unit have been deployed to aid in the search.
Captain FC van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson, confirmed that a missing person case docket had been opened. He stated that the search efforts on Tuesday involved multiple agencies working together to locate Lingenfelder. The search operation is being coordinated from an Incident Command Centre established at Leeuwtuin Estate on Bainskloof Road.
The Drakenstein Farm Watch Fire & Rescue team is also participating in the search operation. The Incident Command Centre has been set up to centralize the coordination of the search efforts, ensuring a more efficient and effective search. The centre can be reached on 078 693 7888 for anyone with information that may assist in locating Lingenfelder.
Lingenfelder has a known heart condition and underwent a cardiac bypass in December 2025. This medical information is considered crucial for the search teams, who are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. The police and search teams are appealing to members of the public for any information that could help locate him.
The search teams are working tirelessly to locate Lingenfelder, and the community is urged to assist by providing any relevant information. The search operation is a collaborative effort involving various agencies, and the public's assistance is crucial in ensuring the safe return of the missing person.
Key points
- Jan Lingenfelder was last seen on Monday afternoon near Bainskloof.
- A multi-agency search operation is underway to locate the missing 55-year-old man.
- Lingenfelder has a known heart condition and underwent a cardiac bypass in December 2025.
