By Thabisa Ndzindzwa
It has been nearly two weeks now that the Nombinja family in the Eastern Cape have been frantically looking for their missing son, Siphenathi, but still no luck.
The 21-year-old left home in Lambase, Lusikisiki, to go to Msikaba Beach on New Year’s Day, and never returned.
“He went to the beach with his friends and gave his phone to one of them, Aphiwe, to look after, as he was going to take a swim. Aphiwe also resides in Lambase. They didn’t meet again and Aphiwe came back,” said his sister, Yoleka Nombinja.
“My mother went to Siphenathi’s room that night, but he was not there. She hoped that when she woke up the following day he would be back. But until today he has not returned.”
On 2 January a missing person case was opened at the Lusikisiki police station for Siphenathi. Some people went to hospitals and clinics in Lusikisiki, including the Holy Cross Hospital, to look for him in case he had been sent there due to injuries.
“Lifeguards at Msikaba Beach told us that there were no drownings on New Year’s Day. Everyone who had been on the verge of drowning was saved and sent to a hospital or a clinic,” Yoleka told Scrolla.Africa.
She said they even went to funeral parlours to look for her brother, but without success.
“As the search continued, it emerged that some people had seen Siphenathi crying in an area isolated by the lake at the beach. But before they could get to him, he was taken by two males who seemed to help him cross the lake,” she said.
“This situation has taken a toll on the whole family. Our mother is in pain and is often crying, but the community is very supportive and is helping to look for him even today.”
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, said Lusikisiki SAPS detectives are still searching for Siphenathi.
“Extensive searches were conducted by the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit in Lusikisiki and Port St Johns, but with no success,” he said.
Pictured above: Siphenathi Nombinja, who went missing on New Year’s Day
Image source: Supplied
