The disappearance of 17-year-old Fazel Benns from Toekomsrus has left a deep scar on his family and the broader community, as concerns grow over crime linked to illegal mining in the area.

Fazel was last seen on February 15 when he and 21-year-old Ashley Scheepers were allegedly kidnapped in Toekomsrus.

Days later, Scheepers’ body was discovered in an abandoned mine shaft, while Fazel remains missing. The Benns family and community members believe the incident may be linked to the activities of zama zamas (illegal miners) operating in disused mine shafts in lower Toekomsrus.

For the Benns family, the weeks since Fazel’s disappearance have been filled with anxiety, uncertainty and grief. His aunt, Phillicty Benns, said the emotional toll on the family has been immense as they continue to hope for answers about what happened to him.

Related article: Toekomsrus teen still missing; case linked to Scheepers’ death

The family said Fazel grew up in the area and attended Randfontein Primary School. He later moved to Stilfontein in the North West for his secondary education and was enrolled at a technicon there. Fazel had returned to Toekomsrus for the summer holidays and was due to travel back to the North West on the day of his disappearance.

His cousin, Jo-Dean Foster, said the last time she saw him was on the morning he went missing. Fazel told her he planned to spend the day with friends before leaving later that evening.

Another family member, Johanna Kivido, said they learnt about the alleged kidnapping when one of Fazel’s friends ran to their home to inform them that Fazel and Scheepers had been taken near a mining shaft by zama zamas.

“The friend told us a woman lured the group to the informal settlement near the mining shaft, falsely claiming that a mutual friend was in trouble. Fazel, Ashley and four others then walked to the area and were ambushed by a group of zama zamas,” Kivido said.

“The group ran in different directions, and Ashley fell while running. Fazel turned back to help him up, and that is when the two boys were caught by the group.”

According to the family, they contacted the police to accompany them to the area, but officers only arrived three hours later.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the alleged kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding Scheepers’ death, while the search for Fazel remains ongoing.

Gauteng police spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a missing persons and kidnapping case has been opened and that no arrests have been made.

Also read: Unidentified body discovered amid missing person probe

For Fazel’s family, however, the matter remains deeply personal. Their priority is finding their loved one and bringing him home, hoping that answers will eventually bring them closure.

Phillicty said the situation has been particularly painful for Fazel’s mother, who also lost another child last year.

The family described Fazel as an ambitious young man who dreamed of becoming a businessman after completing his welding course.

As the search continues, police have urged anyone with information about Fazel’s whereabouts to contact Randfontein police on 011 990 9700.