Missing tourist yet to be found

Traditional leaders are still co-ordinating efforts to find tourist, Mr Zayd Dada, who disappeared on Mt Nyangani a month ago.

Chiefs Saunyama and Tangwena temporarily called off the search last month saying they wanted to perform rituals to appease spirits that dwell in Mt Nyangani.

National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo yesterday said: "They are still conducting rituals and direction will be given once they complete them."

The chiefs' spokesperson declined to comment, saying talking to the media would jeopardise efforts to locate Mr Dada.

"Rituals are being conducted and we cannot disclose how we are doing them as this is not allowed by our tradition," the spokesperson said.

Last week a family spokesperson, Mrs Shehnilla Mohamed, said they had handed over the search to traditional leaders after looking for Mr Dada on about 80 percent of the mountain.

Mr Dada disappeared on January 4 in the sacred mountains after he went hiking with his wife and another couple.

His wife and the couple returned to their holiday chalets after getting exhausted and Mr Dada continued with the expedition on his own.

Since independence, there have been three reports of people disappearing on the mountain, which is believed to be sacred by locals.