The family of a Cape Town businessman and biker, Wonder Hleza, 49, has pleaded for people to come forward with information regarding the whereabouts of the Brackenfell man.
Hleza, was reported missing last Tuesday, after he did not return home from a trip to Worcester.
It is understood that he was last seen by his wife Olwethu before he travelled to Worcester to get a temporary driver’s licence.
Hleza’s friend and family spokesperson Sonnyboy Msiza, 45, told Weekend Argus it was unlike his friend to stay away without saying a word.
“He wouldn’t just disappear and he has never done something like this before.
“At the moment the family is not doing well because he was supposed to be at home already, all Wonder was supposed to do was to go to Worcester to get a temporary license because he thought the queues would be shorter there,” he explains.
Msiza said there was nothing unusual about the day Hleza went missing.
“He sent a picture of himself at a nearby petrol station on a ‘shut up and ride’ WhatsApp group, as he normally did (on Tuesday morning).”
That was the last time Msiza heard from his friend.
Msiza said when Hleza didnt return home, the Life360 app, which tracks a driver’s movements, was used to see where Hleza last travelled.
“The app showed he was heading back from Worcester (that) Tuesday using the back roads past Riebeek Kasteel towards Brackenfell.
“We also checked CCTV footage that confirmed that he was in the area.”
There was also a massive search party conducted by the bikers that very evening.
“We travelled on the same route that he took, but couldn't find nothing.”
CCTV footage obtained on the Wednesday showed Hleza at an ATM in Uitsig, Brackenfell withdrawing money and throwing in petrol shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.
Msiza said the footage also showed that Hleza did not turn right at the traffic lights to go home, but instead he turned towards Malmsbury’s direction.
“This what we don’t understand because he was so close to home,” he added.
Msiza said it is a very emotional time for the family especially because Hleza had been robbed the day before he disappeared while making deliveries in Parow.
“He was robbed of his wallet containing all his bank cards, licenses, and money.”
Msiza said if Hleza was hijacked, they have not received any ransom demands.
“There was also no one who came forward with information on spotting him and we pleading with anyone who has information they must reach out to me, please.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Brackenfell SAPS had registered a missing persons case.
“He was last seen leaving his residence in Sonkring, Brackenfell on Tuesday morning and has not been seen since.
“(The missing persons) description is: 1.8 metres in length, is bald, has a grey beard and brown eyes.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black riding jacket, black trousers, black motorbike gloves, black and white motorbike helmet, and a red and yellow lucky star buff. He has stitching scars on his hands and legs,” said Twigg.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Mervyn Bezuidenhout on 079 505 6171/021 983 1968 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.