The family of 27-year-old Vukani Zondi, who went missing in April, is pleading for answers as police investigations yield little progress. Zondi was last seen at a local tavern in Rietvlei outside Greytown, where CCTV footage allegedly shows him being attacked and forced into a silver car following an argument with friends.
A Mother’s Anguish
Kumbili Zondi, Vukani’s distraught mother, says her son had returned to his hometown in March to complete work experience at a community farming project after studying agriculture last year. On April 15, he went out with friends but never returned home.
“We saw the CCTV footage… we saw everything that happened, including the fight,” she said. “It looked like they were taking Vukani inside a silver car. We could tell it was him because of his clothes.”
According to his friends, they left him behind after the altercation. However, his family believes there is more to the story.
Delayed Police Response
The family claims police only brought in a K9 unit a month after his disappearance. The dogs reportedly detected blood in one of the cars linked to the case, but the investigation has stalled since.
“They called me to take a blood sample for comparison, but we still don’t know where Vukani is,” his mother said, expressing frustration over the handling of the case.
Police Investigation Expanded
KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that the investigation has been widened to include surrounding areas. The K9 unit from Pietermaritzburg has conducted multiple searches based on leads from the family and traditional healers.
Authorities say statements from Zondi’s friends match the CCTV footage, which shows them leaving the tavern without him after the argument.
“We understand the family’s frustration, and the investigation is being escalated,” police said.
A Plea for Justice
The Zondi family is desperate for closure, demanding justice if foul play was involved in Vukani’s disappearance.
“We just want to know what happened to our son,” his mother cried.
Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.
