Information sought in 4 missing persons’ cases in King Cetshwayo District

There has been an increase in the number of reported missing persons in the last month.

King Cetshwayo District SAPS spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase has called for public assistance in locating three missing individuals from Empangeni, Richards Bay and surrounding areas.

1. Ross Pepper

Earlier this month, Ross Martin Rex Pepper (31) went missing after last being seen in Meerensee, Richards Bay on 16 June.

According to his mother, Michelle Ferreira, Pepper has bipolar disorder and was last seen in the vicinity of Pick n Pay on Anglers Rod.

ALSO READ: Richards Bay family seeks missing son

Ferreira has also approached Renegades Search and Rescue for assistance, and registered a missing person’s case at Richards Bay SAPS.

Anyone with information is urged to call or WhatsApp Dawn Gounden on 074 7125855.

2. Roy Uppink

Meanwhile,the search continues for Richards Bay resident Roy Uppink (73) who was last seen leaving his home two months ago.

It is believed Roy left his house in Jacopever Street in May to go for a walk, but never returned home.

According to family spokesperson, Lauren van Staden, details around Uppink’s disappearance are vague, and anyone with information is urged to contact her on 061 5172238.

3. Thobekani Mabaso

In Empangeni, police are appealing for assistance in finding Thobekani Vumani Mabaso (41) of Mabhensa in Melmoth.

He was last seen at around 7.30am on 26 May at a bus stop in Mabhensa.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts must contact Sergeant Sikhumbuzo Mabaso on 082 5570153 / 035 9071940 or Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.

4. Nontethelelo Ntshapheka

Police in Mahabathini have called on the public to assist in locating Nontethelelo Ntshapheka (33), who has been missing since 15 July.

Zululand Police Cluster spokesperson, Captain Nkosie Gwala, said Ntshapheka from KwaSaku area, Ezimfabeni in Mahlabathini left home at about 11am to meet with Thembinkosi ‘Mahlobo’ Ntombela in Mhlahane. Police described her as light in complexion, with black hair and black eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue denim skirt, a blue top, and black shoes. She is chubby and of medium height. “She has not returned home to her family, and cannot be reached because her cellphone is off,” said Gwala.

She urged anyone with information of her whereabouts to contact Investigating Officer Detective Captain Mdluli, on 082 8567752.

Report missing people early

If people go missing, police urge them to open a missing persons case at the nearest police station immediately as there is no ‘waiting period’ for reporting.

It’s important to share a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.

Police will require a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.

A SAPS 55(A) form will need to be completed and signed to safeguards SAPS from hoax reports, and indemnify them to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.

The investigating officer’s details will be shared and an addition information that becomes available must be relayed to the police.

If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, the investigating officer must be immediately informed.

A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.

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