On February 6 2025, the Salaam Foundation Search & Rescue (SFSR) team was dispatched to assist with a search and rescue mission for a missing person. The search and rescue mission is based around the Oupa Fats Wetland near the north of Lenasia, Johannesburg. The missing person was seen entering the Wetland on February 6 2024. Until February 10, there had been no traces of the missing person but the search efforts continue.
Zaheer Seedat, a resident of Lenasia was seen entering the wetlands on February 6 2025 at 06:30 am. His car was found parked at the entrance to the Oupa Fats Wetland. Search and rescue efforts began on the 6th. The 47-year-old Zaheer was last seen on CCTV footage walking into the long grass near the Oupa Fats Dam. A missing people’s case was opened up by the family.
The SFSR joined the rescue efforts from February 6th working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) canine unit and other local organisations and community members. The City of Johannesburg Aquatic Rescue team and the SAPS air wing unit also joined the rescue efforts. Search and rescue efforts took place by land, water and air.
Salaam Foundation’s SFSR takes another step forward in training
Lenz Vlei better known as Oupa Fats is a wetland area near Lenasia which acts as a flood buster for the surrounding areas. However, despite many efforts over the years, the area has become a dumping ground and hub for illegal sand mining and a hijacking hotspot.
The SFSR is a dedicated volunteer team which was put together in December 2023. They are qualified as advanced level mountain rescuers. The SFSR are being built to respond swiftly to emergencies, providing critical assistance during any eventualities from natural disasters to human catastrophes. As a result of global instability, severe weather calamities and natural disasters, there has been a growing need to prepare our capacity to respond to these situations.
Day 5: Still no sign of missing Lenasia resident, Zaheer Seedat, who was last seen on CCTV footage entering the Oupa Fats Wetland. Salaam Foundation Search & Rescue unit is working alongside SAPS & Joburg EMS members. K9, drones & aquatic teams have found no trace of him yet. pic.twitter.com/Gj9gmHkFjT
— Salaam_Foundation (@salaam_found) February 10, 2025
The aim of the team is to respond to disaster situations and provide effective rescue services. During the water shutdowns in Johannesburg during December 2024, the SFSR team helped with water distributions in the Johannesburg South region. They will receive training in urban and water rescue in 2025.
Water deliveries by Salaam Foundation #SearchandRescue around Johannesburg today. #AucklandPark #Bosmont #LenasiaSouth pic.twitter.com/DZ9zfYu4gM
— Salaam_Foundation (@salaam_found) December 16, 2024
The team received advanced mountain rescue training in 2024. In December 2023, the group started their Search & Rescue training course in Bursa, Turkiye. In December 2024, the group trained by İHH Afet Yönetimi, a non profit organisation from Turkiye, qualified as advanced level mountain rescuers.
You can contribute to this project of Salaam Foundation and earn ongoing reward for every situation this team responds to.
Donate to Salaam Foundation:
FNB 6266 914 7665
Branch 250 737
Ref: SFSR + your name
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