Helicopter joins in search for missing Fynbos matric pupil

POLICE choppers hovered over Wilsonia and parts of Mdantsane yesterday as police and community members searched for a Grade 12 pupil who disappeared on Christmas Day.

Sakhumzi Maseti, 21, left his Fynbos home to visit his mother in Reeston early on Sunday morning.

Maseti had been living with his aunt, Nosiphiwo Maseti, and her family since his father passed away four years ago.

Nosiphiwo said her nephew had received a phone call from his mother on Christmas Eve, requesting him to come and spend Christmas Day with her in Reeston.

“He was very keen to visit his mother so he woke up early on Sunday morning and made his way to Reeston.

“We were surprised to learn he never arrived there when we got a call from his mother on Tuesday, December 27, asking to speak to Sakhumzi whom she could not reach on his cellphone.”

Maseti has dispersed posters at Crave Meats, Big Daddy’s Liquor and Foods, and surrounding areas in a bid to find her nephew.

“We just want to find him, whether he is alive or not, but we need to see him because this is very frustrating and a difficult time for our family.

“Sakhumzi is a mentally stable young man, who is a hard worker and dedicated to his books. He has never been troublesome or very outgoing which is why we are so concerned about him.”

On Wednesday this week Sakhumzi’s clothes were found by residents from Thembalethu settlement who were also part of the search party.

Yesterday Sakhumzi’s members were part of the family search party frantically looking for him. Mdantsane’s SAPS K9 Unit was also part of the search party.

K9 search and rescue officer, warrant officer Fred Dicks said police had received several reports from members of the public that Sakhumzi had been seen around Crave Meats in Wilsonia yesterday morning.

“Others said they had seen him by the Mdantsane railway station, and we have followed up, but there have been no developments,” said Dicks.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sakhumzi Maseti can call 073 854 8564. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za