HELP NEEDED To Find Scott van Zyl Gone Missing In Zimbabwe

[cpr0312]

I check this thread 4-5 times daily just to see what is new. I always hope that Scott has been found. I feel so bad for the family.... Gotta be tough on them. Been a week today I believe. Still praying and hoping. Bruce

+1 Bruce, I'v been checking multiple times daily! Continued prayers for all the family!

 

[spoonieduck]

This was my first thought with the report that his tracks stop at the river and there was no sign of struggle. Interesting rumor that his shoes were found. Could add to the abduction theory. No shoes makes it harder to run away. Of course this is all speculation. Hopefully the reward money will get someone to talk if they know anything.

My prayers for his well being and his wife and young children.

From what I've read, and for what it's worth. Scott and the tracker, along with 2 dogs [?], separated at the bakkie. The tracker returned and, apparently when Scott didn't show up, alerted others that Scott was missing [How? Radio?]. All the dogs returned 'to the camp' [how far was the camp to the bakkie? to the packs? who long did it take Scott's dog to return after Scott was last seen?]. If Scott had only one dog with him, was there a leash?

Scott's rifle and personal items were reportedly in the bakkie. This, from a distance, seems odd because an unattended vehicle--with rifle--would be a temptation for thieves. If true, however, it suggests that Scott and/or the tracker intended to return to the bakkie soon. Was the GPS in the bakkie or in one of the packs?

Scott's packs were found on the Zim bank of the Limpopo. How far were his packs from the bakkie?

What is the condition of the Limpopo River where the packs were found? Is it high? Currents? Is it shallow enough to wade? Is there some kind of ford?

Any theories as to why Scott might--maybe--have entered the River? Did he intend to cross it? Why might he want to cross it? Any evidence that one or more dogs may have crossed the river and Scott followed them? could he have been scouting the river for future croc/hippo hunts? could he have been checking for leopard tracks in the river mud? The croc info that we are receiving may or may not be significant. It shouldn't take long to obtain results.

 

[Salome de Villiers]

UPDATE #16: Friday, 14 April 2017 - Feedback from the chairman at the Limpopo Hunters Liason Forum (LHLF) - Mr. Phillip Bronkhorst:

"Today exactly a week ago fellow PH, friend and family man Scott van Zyl went missing on the banks of the Limpopo River. The search and rescue team has done everything humanly possible to find Scott.

Lots of help and support was given by several organizations and individuals. We will not name all of them now but a list will follow shortly.

Since yesterday when POSSIBLE human remains was found, more searching was done today in the area. By around midday today general consensus was reached by the SAR team that they had done what was possible to find info on this puzzle and to find Scott. The SAR was called off for the moment BUT contact will be kept with locals, villagers and fisherman on both sides of the river to get more possible info from the locals on the ground.

A formal police investigation has been launched and each and everyone hope for a closure on this incident.
Please keep Sure, their 2 kids and all the family in your daily prayers and thoughts.

DNA testing on some of the content that was found in the stomachs of the crocodiles shot to verify if it is human or not will only be available in a couple weeks and up till then the uncertainty will remain and hope will prevail.

A full breakdown of total costs of this SAR is in process to be finalized and if you still want to donate please keep doing so. The funds generated now will be allocated towards Scott's family to cover any further immediate costs. Please also when sharing this message keep the info within the boundaries laid out by this message and do not trespass the boundaries of negative news sharing like we have experience the last couple days from several prominent news agencies."

 

[LivingTheDream]

I just keep praying he shows up to camp. I know it seems hope is fading but I just pray Scott shows up.

 

[Brent in Az]

Certainly an unfortunate situation. My condolences, to his family & friends.

 

[Spooksar]

He may be still found, I was on a search in Northern BC in the fall and we searched for a week, in cold snowy weather. The day after all the teams but Fort Nelson SAR pulled out we found him. Talking to the person a year later about his ordeal, it really amazed me what had went through his mind awhile he was lost. He had walked 20 miles out of the search area, and was stopped by a river he couldn't cross. If not for that he would still be heading north

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

@Salome de Villiers, thank you for keeping us informed as to the facts. All I can say is that if trouble were ever to befall me when I was hunting I could only hope to have such a dedicated and supportive group of family, friends and community out there looking for me.

Also thank you to the members here who have left messages of hope, kindness and care for Scott's family and friends as well as your prayers. I truly admire the respect shown on this board by all.

I personally would like to thank the incredible members of AH that have given so quickly and generously to aid in this situation. Many here use monikers but I am privy to the real names of those who join here and I was astounded when I browsed the list of donors at the number of people from our community who had given to the GoFundMe for Scott's search and rescue efforts. I know I have said this before but this situation, and the response of so many here, is just another reason why this is a community of people that I am so proud to be a part of.

 

[slam8031]

As we approach Easter, this story, this man, his family, the many volunteers and SAR who relentlessly pursue the truth of this situation, remind me to cherish the day, love those around us, and care for others more than ourselves. We continue to pray to the One who can heal all things!

 

[mstewart44]

Like so many others I have followed the disappearance of Scott van Zyl with great anticipation and concern. I check this thread several times a day. I have to express my gratitude and admiration to all the people who spent countless hours searching for Scott. His location and what happened to him is still quite a mystery that we all hope will soon be solved. It is a true testament to the brotherhood and bonds of the hunting fraternity that so many people came together to put boots on the ground, choppers in the air, and money into the donation pool to try and find him. Nothing but respect to all involved in the search and rescue effort. Watching the short video of the chopper drop the reward flyer to the people in the village was moving. I watched that video simply awestruck by the massive effort that was going into finding our hunting brother. #RESPECT!

 

[kathy]

Prayers from N.C. . Forrest

 

[Hogpatrol]

Just catching up on the updates. Donation made. Can't say much more than what's already been said.

 

[Gavin Rorke]

Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

 

[G Skinner]

Still praying !
Glen

 

[CAustin]

Again the family will be in my prayers.

 

[Neale]

Just got back from the bush and into internet service and read this disturbing information. I hope there is a good outcome. My thoughts and hopes with all involved.

 

[BWH]

From what I've read, and for what it's worth. Scott and the tracker, along with 2 dogs [?], separated at the bakkie. The tracker returned and, apparently when Scott didn't show up, alerted others that Scott was missing [How? Radio?]. All the dogs returned 'to the camp' [how far was the camp to the bakkie? to the packs? who long did it take Scott's dog to return after Scott was last seen?]. If Scott had only one dog with him, was there a leash?

Scott's rifle and personal items were reportedly in the bakkie. This, from a distance, seems odd because an unattended vehicle--with rifle--would be a temptation for thieves. If true, however, it suggests that Scott and/or the tracker intended to return to the bakkie soon. Was the GPS in the bakkie or in one of the packs?

Scott's packs were found on the Zim bank of the Limpopo. How far were his packs from the bakkie?

What is the condition of the Limpopo River where the packs were found? Is it high? Currents? Is it shallow enough to wade? Is there some kind of ford?

Any theories as to why Scott might--maybe--have entered the River? Did he intend to cross it? Why might he want to cross it? Any evidence that one or more dogs may have crossed the river and Scott followed them? could he have been scouting the river for future croc/hippo hunts? could he have been checking for leopard tracks in the river mud? The croc info that we are receiving may or may not be significant. It shouldn't take long to obtain results.

Don't speculate & play CSI..... I am sure there are tons more details. However, for brevity we are given important & concise intel. No need to be armchair QB 10k miles away. I'm sure all of your questions, are the same ones family, friends, colleagues & investigators are asking.

 

[johnnyblues]

My heart goes out to all involved in this search. May gods hand place you in the right place. Prayers to the family and the dedicated folks conducting the search.

 

[Rinderpest]

I've been following the posts closely and still pray for a positive outcome. Sadly, on the family members Facebook page, the anti hunting trolls have begun some very tasteless and cruel taunts and posts. While we would love to "strike back" I encourage all to remember that with these people it just seems to add fuel to their fire. They won't feel remorse for their posts but likely would increase the cruel comments. They can't be reasoned with and we would be much more successful teaching rocks to roll over and pigs to fly. My point is that it would be better to continue to support the family in a loving and caring manner and just ignore the hateful anti posters rather than stir them up. Cheers all and I am so proud of the hunting family for the support we have shown during this time. MB.

 

[enysse]

I followed Scott on facebook and the bad thing about that is if I comment, all my friends can see the post. If they don't like hunting then they can comment and start a chain reaction if I don't put a filter on the post. We live in sad times were anti-hunters get their highs from antagonizing hunters

 

[IA Monsterbuck]

I've been following the posts closely and still pray for a positive outcome. Sadly, on the family members Facebook page, the anti hunting trolls have begun some very tasteless and cruel taunts and posts. While we would love to "strike back" I encourage all to remember that with these people it just seems to add fuel to their fire. They won't feel remorse for their posts but likely would increase the cruel comments. They can't be reasoned with and we would be much more successful teaching rocks to roll over and pigs to fly. My point is that it would be better to continue to support the family in a loving and caring manner and just ignore the hateful anti posters rather than stir them up. Cheers all and I am so proud of the hunting family for the support we have shown during this time. MB.

Those people disgust me. They have no compassion for their fellow man yet think they are champions for animals.

People have no respect these days. This is similar to the people protesting and disrupting the funerals of military members who lost their lives serving their country.