Earlier this month, IOL reported that there has been growing despondency among media practitioners across Gauteng, after the disappearance of the journalist and his partner.

Forensic crime investigator, Calvin Rafadi has volunteered to be part of the extensive search for the missing couple.

“I want to start by saying, as a forensic practitioner and as a University of Johannesburg’s research associate, what I have done is, on a pro bono basis, I have taken the effort to engage with the family closely on this matter. In essence I am trying to plough back the skills,” Rafadi told a media briefing in Pretoria earlier this month.

Rafadi, with vast experience, has extensive contacts within the police and other law enforcement agencies which is useful in the investigations to track the missing couple.

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Contrary to previous reports, Rafadi said the two lovebirds were seen at their home at KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga before they vanished.

“When a person goes missing mysteriously like this, we check if there have been any ransom demands. There is no ransom being demanded. Police have checked if the phone is still on with no luck, the phone is off.

“We have also checked if Sbu (Aserie) has made withdrawals from his bank account, there has been no activity. In fact, there is a salary he received into his bank account and it is still in the account. No one is holding him at ransom and trying to withdraw the money.”

Rafadi said the financial reward raised by the National Press Club and the African Media and Communicators Forum is important in the extensive search for the couple.

Community members with any information can contact Brigadier Mxolisi Edwin Numa, provincial head of the SAPS serious and violent crime investigations unit, on 082 778 9035.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL

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