Nepalese authorities have grounded a plane that was searching for the ultra-light aircraft carrying DA North West deputy leader Petro Nel.
The provincial leader Joe McGluwa said Nel’s husband JC, confirmed it this morning. McGluwa said the decision has devastated them.
“We not been provided with reasons on why it has been called off. We also took it for granted that the flight was 40 minutes where it was supposed to land but we are also happy that the ground search is still continuing,” he said.
Nel is on holiday in Nepal and went on a sightseeing flight over a mountainous area yesterday morning when all contact was lost with the aircraft. McGluwa said there is still hope for Nel and the Russian pilot to be found.
“We can only hope as the family of Nel aswell as the DA, that we will, however, as it may in whatever form, be in a position to have a soon result on the whereabouts of both Nel and the pilot,” he said.
Meanwhile the party will hold a vigil and prayer meeting this afternoon for Nel's safe return.
REFILWE GAESWE
