Missing Louis Trichardt man’s family issues warning: R500k reward is a scam
Police and family members say they know nothing about the offer of a R500k reward circulating online as the search for missing Louis Trichardt man Reuben Marsberg continues.
The family of missing Louis Trichardt resident Reuben Marsberg (22) has firmly distanced itself from a R500 000 reward circulating on social media, saying they had no involvement in the reward and believe it may be a scam.
Polokwane Review reports that Marsberg has been missing since November 26, and although his cream-coloured Toyota Land Cruiser was found abandoned near the Polokwane International Airport, he has not been found.
A Facebook user claiming to be a lawyer, Clement Kgaugelo Rantho, posted on Wednesday that he had increased a reward from R100 000 to R500 000 for any information that could lead to Marsberg being found.
But Reuben’s sister, Kristen Marsberg, told Polokwane Review-Observer that the family had never spoken to the man.
“I think it is a scam. We have nothing to do with that,” she said.
Police have also confirmed they are unaware of any legitimate reward arrangement.
Disappearance timeline
According to the Levubu police, Marsberg was last seen on the evening of November 26 when he dropped his brother at his girlfriend’s home.
They had planned for Marsberg to collect him again the next morning, but his phone went straight to voicemail.
When his brother returned home the next day using public transport, he discovered that:
- Reuben and his vehicle were missing
- The house was unlocked
- Several items were gone, including a TV, blankets, a mattress and a PlayStation
- There were no signs of forced entry.
Police later confirmed that Marsberg’s Land Cruiser was found near the Polokwane International Airport without him inside. His white boat is also reportedly missing.
Investigating officer Sergeant Manari Mashudu confirmed yesterday that Reuben is still missing and urged the public to only rely on official police communication.
Police appeal for information
Police are urging anyone who may have information about Reuben’s whereabouts to come forward.
Contact investigating officer Sergeant Manari Mashudu on 082 319 9622 or report information at your nearest police station, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report information via the MySAPS app.
Rantho, the man claiming to offer the R500 000 reward, did not respond to queries from Polokwane Review-Observer by the time of publishing.
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