June 17; 10:00

POLOKWANE – Hendrick “Hennie” van Zyl (32) has been found safe.

Van Zyl’s sister, Kotie Visser confirmed to the Polokwane Review-Observer that her brother had been found and was reunited with his family.

“We are profoundly thankful for the outpouring of prayers, support, and encouragement during this challenging time for our family. Hendrik was rescued near a veld after a robbery, during which he was beaten and had his phone and cash taken. He is now in a safe place and is making a strong recovery,” a family statement read.

The statement added that although Hendrick has not shared much about the incident, the family is optimistic about his progress.

“Currently, we have no further comments to share, and Hendrik will not be engaging on social media platforms. Thank you for your understanding,” the statement concluded.

Van Zyl left his home in Polokwane on June 7 and was en route to the Greenery Shopping Centre at the time of his disappearance.

June 14; 19:53

POLOKWANE – A reward of R5 000 is being offered to anyone with reliable information that can lead to the whereabouts of Hendrick “Hennie” van Zyl (32).

Van Zyl left his home in Polokwane on June 7 and was en route to the Greenery Shopping Centre at the time of his disappearance.

Read more: Polokwane police search for missing man Hendrick van Zyl

This is according to his cousin, Chris Barnard, who told the Polokwane Review-Observer that he hopes the monetary reward he’s offering will increase the chances of his cousin being found, as he has been missing for seven days now.

At around 13:00 on June 7, van Zyl informed his grandparents that he would walk to the shopping center and return in about 30 minutes but never made it home.

This prompted the family to file a missing person’s docket three days later at the Polokwane Police Station.

Van Zyl left home dressed in a green check shirt, a brownish jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers, the family representative confirmed.

Barnard said Van Zyl started working as a fleet manager for a popular vehicle tracking company this June and has also worked for a Johannesburg-based medical facility.

“He is a kind soul but he needs his family, as his aunt, my mother, passed away three months ago, which has had an impact on him very much like the rest of the family,” Barnard said.

Polokwane Community-Policing Forum chairperson Rudolph Phaswana said photos of Van Zyl were posted across many local community social media platforms with no results.

Those with information are requested to contact the investigating officer Sgt Mokgadi Molope on 082 728 9831, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp.