'Missing Zimbabwe tourist could have died'

Tourist Mr Zayd Dada, who went missing two weeks ago after he went hiking at Mount Nyangani, could have slipped and fell into a cliff or ridges of the mountain and died, a senior Parks and Wildlife Management Authority official has said.

Nyanga National Parks area manager Mr Onias Bepe said although the search for Zayd was ongoing, he might have died.

"Assumptions are that because of the fast weather changes that can switch from sunny skies to thick fog, he could have slipped and fell into the cliffs or ridges of the mountain," Mr Bepe said.

Mr Bepe outlines general rules tourists are expected to abide by when climbing the mountain.

"Tourists are prohibited to climb the mountain after midday and when its misty. Tourists are also encouraged not to make remarks and exclamations while hiking," he said.

Zayd went hiking with his wife and another couple. He continued hiking when others rested at the chalets leaving his mobile phone with his wife.

A parks official said Zayd was spotted by hikers who were on their way down walking along a stream on the mountain. He was never seen again.

"They talked to him and indicated that he was fine and that was the last time anyone saw him," said the official.

At least 300 000 tourists have climbed Mount Nyangani in the past 20 years. Last year alone 22 000 tourists visited the mountain and 16 000 went hiking on Mount Nyangani.

The mountain is the highest peak in Zimbabwe standing at 2 593 metres. Three people have disappeared since 1982.