The search for Lebo Mniki, 35, continues after he vanished on August 29 who was last seen at Respublica Princeton Village, visiting his girlfriend. Image credit: Supplied
(The Post News) – Police are questioning persons of interest in the disappearance of 35-year-old Lebo Mniki, who vanished after entering the Respublica Princeton Village student residence on August 29. The latest developments come as Mniki’s family continues their sit-in outside the residence, demanding access to CCTV footage they believe holds the key to his whereabouts.
New Details Emerge Amid Family’s Search
As previously reported, Mniki’s family initially faced resistance from Douglasdale police, who they claim refused to open a missing person’s case, labeling Mniki a “fugitive.” The family later successfully opened a case at the Midrand Police Station.
In a recent interview with Newzroom Afrika, SAP Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a missing person’s case was opened and that a police cybercrime unit is now involved. “We do have our cybercrime team that is also involved in this matter,” Nevhuhulwi stated, adding that they are “downloading the CCTV footage for viewing.”
Colonel Nevhuhulwi also revealed that police have brought in two people for questioning, including Mniki’s girlfriend, who is believed to be the last to have seen him.
Resisting Cooperation or Misunderstanding?
The family has continued to accuse the residence of a lack of cooperation. In a statement to eNCA, they claim that attempts to get the CCTV footage have been fruitless and accused management of a possible cover-up. However, Respublica Princeton Accommodation Village management said their gates were “open to the police to search for a missing 35-year-old man.” They further stated that while they could confirm Mniki entered on August 29, “there was no physical evidence that he left.”
A Faint Trail and an Ongoing Investigation
Colonel Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a tip led police and a canine unit to search a specific area for Mniki’s body. The area was cordoned off, but no evidence was found. “We didn’t find anything,” she said, but added that the police are “still investigating” and following up on all information.
Meanwhile, students at the residence have reportedly expressed safety concerns about the incident, which has occurred during exam season. Eduvos has distanced itself from the incident, stating that the residence is privately owned.
The search for Lebo Mniki continues, with investigators hoping that the full analysis of the security footage will provide the crucial details needed to bring this case to a close.
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