Search for missing Mandeni man

Durban — For more than a month Mandeni resident Mike Andrews, 74, has been missing and his family are growing more concerned about his whereabouts.

Andrews was reported missing on July 11 after he had left his home in the vicinity of a clinic in the Mandeni area, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Andrews was wearing a blue jersey and a pair of black pants when he left his home.

A family representative Robyn Andrews told the Daily News that they are concerned about Andrews health because Andrews has a mental condition and suffers from dementia. Mandeni is strategically located midway between Durban and Richards Bay. The family are searching for him and are also requesting assistance from the public in the following areas; Durban, Mandeni, Isithebe, Empangeni, Richards Bay, KwaDukuza and Eshowe in locating him.

"We are worried about his well-being because of his dementia and schizophrenic state. He has most probably not eaten for days and his health must be deteriorating. This is very stressful for all the family involved. Please assist us in helping to find him and bring him home safely," Robyn said.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) a private security company, based in the Verulam and Northern areas of Durban, stated that Rusa received a call for assistance from Andrew’s family who are currently residing in Dublin, Ireland, Rusa spokesperson Prem Balram said,

“Andrews has a history of Schizophrenia. On the day of his disappearance, he left home without informing his wife. He does not own a cellphone. He previously went missing and was located in Durban.”

If anyone has information regarding Andrews, kindly contact Rusa on 086 1234 333.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that a missing persons docket was opened for investigation at Mandeni SAPS.

Renegades Search and Rescue co-ordinator Dawn Gounden said that their team is assisting the police and family in the search for Andrews.

When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfil their mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately.

The SAPS stated that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.

You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

• Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.
• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
• If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.

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