The search intensified last week as police officer Warrant Officer Jacques Meyer and his K9 colleague, Storm, combed the muddy banks of the Klipriver, while the SAPS Drone Unit took to the skies in search of a missing Siyabonga Zikalala (26) from the Rooi area in Steadville.
It is alleged that Zikalala was called in by the police for questioning in April but had not returned home. A full-scale search began on Monday, 5 May with police scouring the area and taking statements. It is alleged that Zikalala jumped into the Klipriver and was swept away.
Several claims have since surfaced, including allegations that Zikalala was being chased by police. These reports led to a group of residents marching to the Ladysmith Police Station, on 4 May demanding answers. Tensions escalated on Monday morning, as Rooi residents blocked the main road into Steadville using rocks and other debris.
Despite ongoing efforts, including aerial support from the drone unit and ground searches by K9 Search and Rescue, no evidence has confirmed whether anyone witnessed the alleged chase or saw the man jump into the river.
The Ladysmith Herald contacted Ladysmith SAPS for an official comment. No response was received at the time of printing.
