Mr Phaala, who resides in Mhluzi in Extension 6, recently retired from work and received a large amount of pension money which he deposited into a bank account.

Shortly after his disappearance, his family noticed that R40 000 was withdrawn from his account. They now fear that thugs are holding Mr Phaala hostage, forcing him to withdraw money when they need it.

Mr Phaala was reported missing at the Mhluzi Police. The police did not respond to media enquiries before deadline.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can phone contact Mr Mnqube’s family on 073 085 5933, Missing Children South Africa on 072 647 7464 or the Mhluzi Police on 013 242 1083.