Thomas, a former South African Air Force helicopter pilot and one-time CEO of Starlite Aviation Group (known for his role in the 1991 MTS Oceanos cruise ship rescue, for which he received the Air Force Cross), went missing early on Saturday, 5 September 2026. He left his home on Hunters Way in Umgeni Park near the local SPAR centre. He has been living with Alzheimer’s disease (and related mental health challenges, according to family comments), which made the disappearance especially concerning. A missing persons report was filed at Greenwood Park police station. The family enlisted private investigator Brad Nathanson, offered a R50,000 reward for information leading to his safe return, and the community—including neighbourhood watches, security teams, and volunteers—mounted an extensive search covering areas such as the Umgeni River, beaches, parks, and using tools like a thermal drone. AI-generated fake images complicated the effort at one point.
On Monday morning (around 7–8 September), Lezé van der Walt, a teacher at Northlands Primary School, was driving with her five-year-old son. She does not normally take Norrie Avenue (near the Durban North police station, not far from Thomas’s home area) but felt guided to do so that day after praying for help locating him. She spotted a man sitting fairly hidden in the bushes with his legs crossed, wearing the same black hoodie described in the missing-person alerts and matching the social media poster details. She stopped, asked his name (he initially gave a false one, seemingly wanting to be left alone), recognised the match, and immediately called the contact number for those searching for him. Search and support teams (including neighbourhood watch) arrived, and Thomas was found alive, stable, and coherent. Medical assistance was arranged, and he was reunited with family members. No foul play was involved.
Van der Walt later declined the R50,000 reward when the family contacted her to thank her and discuss it. She described the discovery as “God’s work,” saying she had asked for guidance that morning and felt the Holy Spirit prompt her on the route. Family spokesperson Greg Parry publicly expressed profound gratitude to the broader community for the support during “some of the most frightening days,” emphasising the kindness and selflessness shown.
This episode highlights both the vulnerability of people living with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s (who can become disoriented during routine walks) and the positive impact of community vigilance, social media alerts, organised searches, and individual acts of attentiveness. The teacher’s decision to stop, engage carefully (while with her young child), and alert professionals rather than approach alone reflects practical caution alongside compassion. Local media (including reports originating from Northglen News and covered by The Witness) framed it as a heartwarming resolution after intense public concern.
As of the latest available details, Thomas was receiving medical assessment and was back with his family. The story underscores how everyday observation by ordinary people—here, a primary school teacher on her way to work—can close missing-person cases when formal searches are underway.
