George, Western Cape – The mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of 81-year-old Gert Hills has come to a devastating end. After nearly three weeks of intense searching, heartbreaking prayers, and growing speculation, police confirmed that the elderly man’s body was discovered inside his vehicle — lodged deep in the bushes at the bottom of a cliff at Kaaimans Pass, near the turnoff to Victoria Bay in George.

What began as a community’s united effort to find one of their own has ended in sorrow, and now, more questions than answers hang in the air.

On Friday, 18 July 2025, Gert Hills left his home on Cemdebo Avenue, Old Place, Knysna, around midday to run a few errands in town. He was expected to return that afternoon, but he never did. His distraught wife reported him missing the same day, and within hours, a full-scale search was launched.

Dressed in a black top and silk trousers, and driving his silver Nissan Juke (registration number CX14 107), Hills seemed to have simply vanished. Days later, the vehicle was spotted in Klein Brakrivier, but despite efforts in that area, there were no further leads — until Wednesday, 6 August.

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Shocking Discovery at the Bottom of a Cliff

It was a member of the public who made the tragic breakthrough. While passing through the scenic yet treacherous Kaaimans Pass, they noticed what looked like a car wedged deep in the foliage far below. Authorities were immediately notified, and emergency personnel, including dedicated volunteers who had been part of the initial search parties, rushed to the scene.

It took hours of careful coordination and effort to reach the vehicle in the dangerous terrain. At approximately 23:00, search teams successfully retrieved the decomposing body of Gert Hills from the wreckage.

The discovery has sent shockwaves through both the Knysna and George communities, many of whom had shared missing person alerts, joined searches, and prayed for a different outcome.

Culpable Homicide Docket Opened – Police Investigating

The George SAPS have since opened a culpable homicide docket and confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. At this stage, it is believed that Hills may have veered off the road, resulting in his vehicle plummeting down the cliff.

However, investigators are not ruling out any possibilities — especially as questions arise regarding the nearly three-week delay in finding the vehicle, which crashed on a fairly well-traveled route.

• Did Gert Hills suffer a medical emergency behind the wheel?
• Was this truly an accident?
• Why did it take so long to discover the vehicle in such a location?

These are just some of the questions haunting the public — and the family — as investigations continue.

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Tributes and Tears: “He Didn’t Deserve This End”

Community members who knew Gert. Hills have described him as a kind, gentle man, beloved by many.

“He didn’t deserve this end. It’s a painful way to go, and what’s worse is that his family had to sit with no answers for so long,” said one Knysna resident who had participated in the search.
“We hoped he had maybe collapsed somewhere and would be found alive. This is heartbreaking.”

The emotional toll on the family is immeasurable. Friends and neighbours have since gathered at the Hills’ home, offering condolences and support to the grieving widow who had spent weeks in anxious agony, waiting for any news of her husband.

Police & Community Commended for Efforts

Despite the tragic ending, the Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Phumzile Cetyana, issued a heartfelt statement, praising the dedication and diligence of the search party and expressing appreciation to all who stepped forward.

“We acknowledge the tireless work of our officers, the rescue teams, volunteers, and especially the broader public who kept hope alive and assisted with search efforts,” said Major General Cetyana.

“It is the unity and spirit of Ubuntu during such times that show the strength of our communities.”

An Ongoing Investigation – and a Plea for Road Safety

While police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash, this tragedy has also highlighted the dangers of the Kaaimans Pass stretch — known for its sharp bends, high cliffs, and risky driving conditions.

Authorities are calling on motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling through mountainous or coastal routes, especially during wet conditions or late hours.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye

For the Hills family, the discovery of Gert’s body brings a tragic form of closure. While they no longer live in the uncertainty of not knowing where he is, they now face the excruciating pain of saying goodbye most unexpectedly and brutally.

Gert Hills death has touched many, and the community that rallied together in hope now mourns together in sorrow.

📞 Anyone with further information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Warrant Officer James Visagie on 073 244 6154.

🕯️ Rest in Peace, Gert Hills (1944 – 2025)

Gone too soon. Never forgotten.

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