In the heart of South Africa, a silent crisis of Missing Persons unfolds daily. Families are plunged into despair as loved ones vanish without a trace, only to encounter a wall of indifference from those sworn to protect and serve. This is the grim reality for countless South Africans, where disappearances are met with stalled investigations and unanswered pleas for help.
The Disappearance of Anthony Gerald Bruwer: A Family’s Desperate Quest for Answers
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 and Lingering Doubts
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.”​
These lingering questions highlight the gaps in the investigation and the desperate need for clarity.​
Khulile “Khulani” Maseko: Eleven Months of Silence and Suspicion
For 11 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.”
“In our opinion, the detectives’ office has given us zero new leads other than saying they are requesting some of her things, like a toothbrush, for DNA sampling. No new leads have been provided in the last ten months. Nothing has been done since her disappearance.”
“We went to the resort and spoke to the family that owns the place. An elderly white woman confirmed Khulani’s stay there and kept saying she left with a white car, but they never saw her getting into it.”
“Our focus was on the CCTV cameras monitoring entrances and exits at the resort, but we were told they belong to Sappi company and that only the detectives’ office has permission to view them.”
This lack of transparency and action has left the family feeling abandoned and betrayed.​
A National Crisis: The Alarming Statistics of Missing Persons in South Africa
The anguish of these families is not isolated. South Africa faces a staggering number of missing persons cases, with Gauteng province alone accounting for over 19,000 disappearances since 1995. Nationally, more than 38,000 individuals vanished in the same period. ​The Citizen
In 2024, 632 children were reported missing, adding to the growing concern over the safety and well-being of the nation’s youth. ​IOL | News that Connects South Africans
The Call for Action: Demanding Accountability and Support
The recurring theme in these heart-wrenching stories is the perceived inaction and lack of urgency from law enforcement agencies. Families are left to navigate the treacherous waters of uncertainty, often feeling unsupported and unheard.
Professor Cheryl Potgieter, a psychologist at Durban University of Technology, emphasizes the profound impact on families:​The Citizen
“There is a lot of self-blame… Some of them would become activists, others would be drawn to a not-so-good coping mechanism like drinking or eating disorder.” ​The Citizen
Communities, authorities, and policymakers must come together to address this crisis. Enhanced investigative resources, transparent communication, and unwavering support for affected families are not just necessary—they are a moral obligation.
How You Can Help: Be the Beacon of Hope
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Missing Persons, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please come forward. Your voice could be the key to unlocking the mystery and bringing solace to grieving families.
Contact Information:
- South African Police Service (SAPS): Report any Missing Persons to your nearest police station immediately.​TimesLIVE
- Missing Children South Africa: Visit Missing Person SA to report information or seek assistance.​ whatsapp us here
Together, we can shine a light on this dark crisis and bring our missing loved ones home.
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