Remains found near Oudtshoorn base revive questions about missing soldier

Human remains discovered near the Oudtshoorn Infantry School during a routine military training exercise have reignited questions about the fate of a soldier who went missing in 2023. Police and pathology teams are investigating, while the identity of the deceased remains unconfirmed.

What was found and when

The remains were found in an open field along the Calitzdorp Road outside Oudtshoorn on Tuesday 4 August during a navigation training exercise conducted by soldiers from the Oudtshoorn Infantry School.

Siphiwe Dlamini, head of communications for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), said:

“The discovery was immediately reported and verified as human remains. The police and pathologists attended the scene. The remains were later removed and the scene was cleared before midnight.”

Police response and forensic work

Warrant Officer Chris Spies, the Southern Cape Police spokesperson, confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened. He said officers were summoned to the scene and directed to the area where the human remains were found, and added:

“The identity of the deceased has not yet been established.”

The SANDF said police and pathology investigations are under way.

Possible link to a long‑standing missing person case

The discovery prompted local speculation about whether the remains could belong to former soldier Isak ‘Zulu’ Thompson, who disappeared while training at the Oudtshoorn Infantry School on 19 July 2023. At the time of his disappearance he was reportedly carrying an R4 rifle.

The SANDF did not confirm any link between the remains and Thompson and reiterated that forensic identification procedures must be completed before any connection is established.

Family reaction

Thompson’s girlfriend, Glenita Gelant, said no one had contacted the family since the discovery. She described the pain and confusion around his disappearance:

“Nothing about Isak’s disappearance makes sense. We last saw him on the Sunday when we dropped him off at the army base. The next thing we heard was that he had gone missing during the night.”

Gelant said loved ones were left wondering whether the remains might finally provide answers. She added:

“Almost everyone who knew and loved him is asking whether it is Zulu who was found.”

She said the family’s greatest wish, if the remains are identified as Thompson’s, is to bring him home and give him the farewell he deserves.

Next steps

Authorities have opened an inquest docket and pathology services are conducting forensic investigations. Until identification is complete, any link between the discovered remains and Isak Thompson remains unconfirmed.