Concern is growing in the West Rand community as 17-year-old Fazel Benns from Toekomsrus remains missing more than a month after he and 21-year-old Ashley Scheepers were allegedly kidnapped.

According to representatives of the Benns and Scheepers families, the two young men were together when they were allegedly kidnapped in Toekomsrus on February 15. The families opened kidnapping cases at the Randfontein Police Station.

Scheepers’ body was later discovered in an abandoned mine shaft, while Benns remains missing, prompting urgent appeals for information about his whereabouts.

The circumstances surrounding the cases have raised alarm among residents and community leaders, particularly amid reports that the kidnappings may be linked to criminal activity in the area, including groups operating around abandoned mines.

Since Benns’ disappearance, family, friends and community members have shared appeals on social media in the hope that someone may come forward with information that could help locate the teenager.

The uncertainty surrounding his fate has left the community distressed, especially after the discovery of Scheepers’ body.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a missing persons and kidnapping case had been opened at the Randfontein station.

“The investigation is still ongoing, and no arrests have been made,” Sibeko said.

The family and police are appealing to community members to assist authorities with information as the search for the missing teen continues.

Also read: Gauteng police form specialised units for kidnappings, killings