Time is Running Out: What Really Happened to Nick Frischke?
Cape Town – It has been two years and one month since 22-year-old German tourist Nick Frischke mysteriously vanished while hiking in Hout Bay. Despite arrests linked to his disappearance, his whereabouts remain unknown, leaving his family in Germany desperate for answers.
With the next court hearing set for April 4, the world is watching as the case unfolds. Will justice be served, or will Nick’s disappearance remain an unsolved mystery?
Read | Family of missing German tourist, Nick Frischke, wants green monkeys to help find him
The Day Nick Vanished
Nick, who was on vacation in South Africa, left his Pinelands B&B on February 15, 2023, planning to go on a solo hike on the Kanonkop hiking trail in Hout Bay. But he never returned.
The only clues? His abandoned belongings at his Airbnb and a trail of stolen possessions.
Arrests Made – But No Sign of Nick
Four men have since been arrested in connection with Nick’s disappearance. They are:
- Ishaam Fischer
- Melvin Geunantin
- Vanroy Petersen
- Carlo Geunantin
They face multiple charges, including:
✔️ Robbery with aggravating circumstances
✔️ Housebreaking
✔️ Illegal possession of firearms & ammunition
✔️ Engaging in organized criminal activity
Despite these arrests, Nick remains missing, raising chilling questions: Was he murdered? Was he kidnapped? Or is there another, undiscovered piece to this puzzle?
Shocking Courtroom Revelations
During a recent hearing in January, Lt-Col Dudley Truter testified that police recovered Nick’s stolen cellphone in possession of one of the accused.
According to statements, one suspect allegedly stabbed a white man and stole his phone on the mountain trail that day. But without a body, there’s no confirmation that Nick was killed.
One of the accused, Melvin Geunantin, claims he only bought the stolen phone and was not involved in the attack. However, police believe otherwise.
The case has been postponed to April 4, 2025, when cross-examinations will continue.
What Happens If Nick’s Body Is Never Found?
The biggest mystery remains: Where is Nick? If his body is never discovered, what does South African law say?
🔹 Murder Charges Without a Body: South African courts have convicted suspects of murder without a body before—if enough circumstantial evidence proves guilt.
🔹 Legal Presumption of Death: Under the Presumption of Death Act (No. 23 of 1977), a missing person can be declared legally dead after five years—unless strong evidence suggests otherwise.
🔹 The Family’s Struggle for Closure: If Nick is never found, his family might have to fight for a legal declaration of death to settle his affairs.
Could this case end in convictions without a body, or will the truth about Nick’s fate remain hidden forever?
Other Missing Persons Cases That Remain Unsolved
Nick’s disappearance is not an isolated case. Many other missing persons across South Africa remain lost in limbo, their families left with more questions than answers. Here are some of the most unsettling cases:
Anthony Gerald Bruwer – A Vanishing in Port Nolloth
In the tranquil town of Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, the sudden disappearance of 54-year-old Anthony Gerald Bruwer has left the community reeling. Anthony, who relocated from Alberton in July 2024 seeking a fresh start, vanished on November 1, 2024. His car remained untouched, his phone fell silent by late November, and his family was left in agonizing uncertainty.
His ex-wife, Zelda, voiced the family’s frustration:
“We’ve been trying to get answers, but the investigator is never available, and the police haven’t made any progress. It feels like we’re being left in the dark.”
Despite Anthony being the only missing person in Port Nolloth, the investigation has stagnated for nearly three months, leaving his family feeling abandoned by the very system meant to support them.
Owami “Kurube” Radebe: A Mother’s Heart-Wrenching Plea
In KwaMashu, the family of 19-year-old Owami Radebe, affectionately known as “Kurube,” endures a nightmare that has gripped the entire community. Missing since August 16, 2024, Owami’s disappearance has left his family shattered and desperate for answers.
His mother, Nonhlanhla Radebe, shared:
“He had moments of happiness where he would laugh with everyone, even the people he had fought with the day before. Owami was a fighter and a lover at the same time.”
Despite their relentless search, the family has faced an onslaught of false leads and heartbreaking rumors, exacerbating their anguish.
The Vanishing of Naledi Selemela: Unanswered Questions
The sudden disappearance of Naledi Selemela has left her family and friends in turmoil. Despite an ongoing investigation, critical details about the events leading to her disappearance remain unclear.
Her family recounted:
“We visited several places together, and our last conversations were about her plans for the future. Her sudden disappearance doesn’t add up.”
Lingering questions expose gaps in the investigation, underscoring the urgent need for clarity.
Khulile “Khulani” Maseko: Eleven Months of Silence
For 12 agonizing months, the family of Khulile “Khulani” Maseko has been searching for answers. The young woman vanished without a trace after checking out of a well-known Mpumalanga resort. As time passes, disturbing details have emerged—missing evidence, ignored leads, and a stalled police investigation.
The family’s frustration is palpable:
“Everything that you have here is all the information we gathered ourselves with the little resources we had in the first two weeks after her disappearance—through her work laptop as well as trying to hack her email address. We also physically went to the resort where she was last seen on Sunday, March 31.”
Despite initial efforts, police progress has been minimal, leaving the family feeling abandoned and betrayed.
Thabang’s Disappearance and the Mystery of His Job Offer
According to Derrick Kubu, Thabang’s brother, the ordeal began when a close friend convinced Thabang to relocate to Gauteng for a promising job opportunity. Days later, that lifeline was shattered. The same friend who had taken Thabang to Johannesburg returned alone, delivering devastating news—Thabang was missing.
“When we questioned him about the circumstances, he gave conflicting statements. First, he claimed he was in Durban when Thabang disappeared, then the story changed. Even at the police station, he altered his story two to three times.”
Further adding to the confusion, Derrick revealed that Thabang was supposedly offered a job in the security industry—despite having no qualifications or training.
“How could someone without any security training suddenly get a job in this sector? None of it adds up. It’s as if he was lured under false pretenses.”
Despite glaring inconsistencies, SAPS Brixton has made little progress. Investigators confirmed Thabang’s last call traced to Pretoria’s Paul Kruger Street, but further investigation hit a dead end.
“Why has it taken months to pursue basic leads like phone records? Is this delay compromising the search for Thabang?”
Read more about the case here.
Will the Court Provide Answers for Nick Frischke?
As April 4 approaches, all eyes will be on the South African legal system to see whether any progress will be made in Nick Frischke’s case. While his family and supporters continue to demand justice, his fate remains shrouded in uncertainty, echoing the stories of so many other missing persons across the country.
Call to Action: Help Find Nick!
The search for Nick Frischke is far from over! If you have ANY information that could help, please contact:
đź“ž South African Police Service (SAPS): 08600 10111
đź“© Crime Stop WhatsApp: 060 010 1111
Let’s not allow Nick’s story to fade into obscurity. Share this article. Keep the conversation going. Help bring Nick home.
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