The deputy leader of the Democratic Alliance in the North West province‚ Petro Nel‚ is feared missing in Nepal.

Nel who was said to have left South Africa on a visit a week ago‚ was travelling in a light aircraft with a Russian pilot.

According to the DA leader in the province Joe McGluwa‚ she was reported missing on Thursday.

“Petro Nel was on a holiday trip there on a sight-seeing flight over a mountainous area when all contact was lost with the aircraft‚” he said.

McGluwa said a search team using two helicopters has been dispatched to look for her and the pilot.

Petro was also a DA ward councillor in the Matlosana Municipality in Klerksdorp.

“She is a dedicated member of the party and we all hope for her safe return.”