Updated (25-02-2025) 1500hrs: He was found in the Springs area and was reunited with his family. Thank you for sharing
Tian van Heerden, a 36-year-old Johannesburg man, has been missing since November 2024. He was last positively identified near the Gautrain Station in Rosebank, where he was reportedly living on the streets. Fifteen months later, there have been no confirmed sightings, and his family continues to appeal for public help.
Tian van Heerden Missing Since November 2024: Last Seen Near Gautrain Station in Rosebank, Johannesburg
The missing person case of Tian van Heerden began in November 2024 when he was last seen in the busy Rosebank area of Johannesburg. He was reportedly living near the Gautrain Station, a major transport hub that connects commuters across Gauteng.
Despite the high foot traffic in Rosebank and the surrounding parts of Randburg, no confirmed sightings have been recorded since that time. The disappearance of a man in such a central Johannesburg location has raised ongoing concern, particularly given his vulnerability.
In January 2025, information suggested Tian may have been seen in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg. The tip was investigated, but it could not be verified. Since then, the missing person case has gone quiet.
As of 24 February 2026, Tian van Heerden remains officially missing.
Description and Identifying Features of the Missing Johannesburg Man Tian van Heerden
For those searching online for “what does Tian van Heerden look like” or “identifying features of the missing man in Rosebank,” the family has provided detailed information.
- Age: 36
- Height: 1.80 metres
- Weight: Approximately 80kg
- Build: Lean
- Hair: Long, bushy, dark brown hair with a beard
- Eyes: Brown
- Last seen wearing: Black T-shirt, black denim jeans, black hoodie
He has several distinctive tattoos that may assist with identification: an anchor, a full-sleeve angel, a sunflower, a scorpion, a fish, and a dove.
These visible tattoos could be key in identifying him, especially among homeless communities in Johannesburg, shelters, clinics, or outreach programmes operating in Rosebank, the Johannesburg CBD, and the southern suburbs.
Family of Missing Man in Johannesburg Appeals for Help as Case Remains Unresolved
The family of Tian van Heerden says the lack of confirmed progress has been deeply distressing. They continue to contact authorities and follow up on any information related to the missing person case in Gauteng.
A family member shared a simple plea: “He is still someone’s son. We just want to know where he is.”
As months pass, the emotional toll grows heavier. Missing adult cases often receive less public attention than those involving children, yet families face the same uncertainty and grief.
The family is urging the public not to overlook this case simply because time has passed. In many South African missing persons cases, renewed public awareness has led to new leads long after initial reports.
Missing Vulnerable Adult in Johannesburg: Mental Health and Homelessness Concerns
Tian van Heerden has a long history of mental health conditions as well as substance abuse. According to his family, these factors made him particularly vulnerable while living on the streets in Johannesburg.
Cases involving missing vulnerable adults are complex. Individuals experiencing mental health challenges may move between areas, avoid formal systems, or struggle to maintain contact with family. In large urban centres such as Johannesburg, homeless populations often shift between suburbs, including Rosebank, Randburg, and the inner city.
Community workers note that identification in such cases often depends heavily on public recognition, especially when someone may not be carrying identification documents.
Ongoing Search for Missing Person in Gauteng: How the Public Can Help
There have been no confirmed sightings of Tian van Heerden since November 2024. The missing person investigation remains open.
Anyone with information about the missing Johannesburg man is urged to make contact immediately:
- Avril: 063 701 6767 / 071 476 2394
- Niccy: 079 011 5116
- Jon: 079 520 5458
Even small details, such as a sighting near the Gautrain Station, Rosebank streets, shelters in Randburg, or the southern suburbs of Johannesburg, could assist in locating him.
Fifteen months without answers is a long time. For the family of Tian van Heerden, however, the search continues. They are asking the public to share his story, remain alert, and help ensure that this missing person case in Johannesburg is not forgotten.
- Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Leave a Reply