Missing Louis Trichardt man’s family warns public after R500k reward surfaces
Police and family warn against a false R500k reward circulating online as the search for missing Louis Trichardt man Reuben Marsberg continues.
POLOKWANE – 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 whatsoever in the offer and believe it may be part of a scam.
Marsberg has been missing since November 26, and although his cream-coloured Toyota Land Cruiser was found abandoned near the Polokwane International Airport, he remains untraceable.
Read more: Louis Trichardt man still missing after his vehicle found near Polokwane
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 both 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 Sgt Manari Mashudu confirmed on Thursday 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 Sgt. Manari Mashudu on 082 319 9622, or report information to:
The nearest police station, through the crime stop number on 08600 10111 or 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 publication.
