A multi-agency search is underway for a 55-year-old man who went missing after going for a walk near Bainskloof on Monday afternoon.
The man, Jan Lingenfelder, was last seen at around 5pm on Monday after leaving his home at Leeuwtuin Estate, opposite Antoniesvlei along Bainskloof Pass.
Police and local groups say Lingenfelder left without his cellphone and did not return home. His brother only reported him missing at Wellington Police Station at about 6.30am on Tuesday.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a missing person case docket has been opened.
Van Wyk reported: “On the same day, SAPS, Law Enforcement, Local Municipality, CPF members, CIB members, security companies and EMS services and K9 with search and rescue dogs were on scene searching for him until 6pm.”
The search effort was not left to rest. It resumed on Wednesday morning, with SAPS K9 search-and-rescue dogs and the police Drone Unit back in action in the area.
Local emergency services are also involved, including Drakenstein Farm Watch Fire & Rescue, which has been assisting with the operation.
According to Drakenstein Farm Watch Fire & Rescue, an Incident Command Centre has been established at Leeuwtuin Estate on Bainskloof Road to coordinate the search.
The Wellington Community Police Forum (CPF) said Lingenfelder may have walked in the direction of Cannetsfontein Farm, an area with extensive mountainous terrain, forests and paths—exactly the kind of landscape that can make a search difficult once someone goes off the main routes.
At the time he disappeared, Lingenfelder was reportedly wearing a grey K-Way jacket, black shorts and blue takkies.
The CPF also warned that the missing man has a known heart condition and had undergone a cardiac bypass in December 2025.
Now, with search teams combing likely walking areas, police and volunteers are appealing directly to residents and members of the public to come forward with any information that may help bring him home.
Anyone who has seen Lingenfelder, or believes they may have seen someone matching his description, is urged to contact the search team or Wellington SAPS immediately.
For people who want to help but do not know where to start, the Incident Command Centre at Leeuwtuin Estate can be reached on 078 693 7888.