Search continues for missing 71-year-old British tourist in Mkhuze
Elaine McSorley, 71, went missing after walking alone to a nearby dam in Mkhuze. Police say the search, using both land and air support, has continued since Sunday.
Image: iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
The search for 71-year-old British tourist Elaine McSorley, who went missing on September 27 2025, is continuing in Mkhuze, northern KwaZulu-Natal, with police and local authorities vowing not to give up hope.
McSorley was last seen leaving a hotel with her 81-year-old partner on Saturday morning.
According to reports, the couple was walking to a nearby dam when the man turned back due to the heat. McSorley continued alone and never returned.
A map she had been using was found abandoned near the hotel the following day, said the police.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the search began in earnest on Sunday, 28 September, using both ground teams and aerial support.
''Police have been searching for her using both land and air capabilities from Sunday, 28 September 2025,'' he said.
Local residents and members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) have joined the search effort.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, CPF representative Bongani Mathenjwe said the community responded immediately after McSorley was reported missing.
“We are still uncertain as to what really transpired. She might still be alive, so we haven’t lost hope,” said Mathenjwa.
“We’ll continue with the search, which we started on the first day she was reported missing. Our local police station in eMkhuze made sure that everybody was alerted. We began searching from 8pm on Saturday into Sunday. Even though there was heavy rain, we continued the search.”
Police have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in finding McSorley. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mkhuze police station on 035 573 1088 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
IOL News