Desperate search under way for missing hiker on Table Mountain

A desperate search is under way for a 46-year-old man who reportedly went missing while hiking alone on Table Mountain.

A missing-persons poster circulating on local hiking and trail-running WhatsApp groups identifies the man as Wayne Barnard.

According to the poster, Barnard last made contact at 11:05 on Wednesday, 16 September. He had shared his location and a photograph from Table Mountain.

His phone has since been switched off or is unreachable.

Barnard was hiking alone at the time. A South African Police Service (SAPS) missing-persons case has reportedly been opened.

The trail-running group RunTnT shared the poster, accompanied by the following message: “Missing hiker on Table Mountain. Search under way – Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) & SAPS. Please keep a lookout if you happen to be in the area, or are still on the mountain. Please share the post as needed.”

Missing hiker last seen in khaki jacket

Barnard is described as a white male with brown/grey hair. He is approximately 1.91 metres tall and weighs around 90kg.

At the time of his disappearance, he was reportedly wearing a khaki green O’Neill puffer jacket, bottle-green cargo pants and black sneakers.

The poster urges members of the public to share the information widely, particularly with hikers, trail runners, climbers and the wider Cape Town community.

The appeal comes amid growing concern over the safety of hikers and trail runners who regularly use Table Mountain National Park’s extensive network of trails.

Community asked to share information

The missing-person notice provides contact details for Barnard’s family and for SANParks Emergency Services.

Anyone with information about Wayne Barnard’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lauren Barnard on +27 82 755 0246.

SANParks Emergency Services can also be contacted on +27 71 807 8374.

Barnard’s mobile number is listed on the poster too: +27 78 775 5816.