A disturbing rise in missing adult cases in Durban is raising alarm bells among families and search organisations, with two professionals from Morningside reported missing this week—one of whom was later found deceased.
Kenneth Chetty, a 48-year-old physiotherapist from Morningside, was reported missing after he was last seen on the evening of Monday, 7 April, in Springfield, KwaZulu-Natal, where he had gone to return a rental car. His cellphone was later found at his home, and all efforts to reach him had failed. Sadly, Chetty was later found deceased, confirming the fears of his loved ones and the broader community.
In a separate case, Vanesan Govender, a 42-year-old accountant from Innes Road, Morningside, phoned his mother on Monday morning, saying he was under “tremendous stress” before abruptly ending the call. His company vehicle was found abandoned in the Windermere Centre parking lot. CCTV footage showed him walking away on foot. His cellphone and laptop were found inside the car. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and a black jacket. He also has tattoos of his parents’ names, Karnagie and Seelan, on his arms.
Update: Govender was found alive on Wednesday and is safe with his family. No further details on his state at the time he was found.
Excellerate Services said on Wednesday: “ Vanesan Govender, who went missing in Morningside, has been found safe. When we heard about his disappearance, our Special Operations Division immediately partnered with SAPS Berea on the missing person’s case. Everyone worked around the clock following leads to find him.
This morning’s breakthrough brought the best outcome, Vanesan is now safe and back with his family. Heartfelt thanks to all who helped bring him home.”
Dawn Gounden, head search coordinator at Renegades Search & Rescue—a non-profit organisation that assists families in locating missing persons and also deals with cases involving human trafficking, wanted suspects, and disaster response—said the number of missing adults has increased alarmingly in recent months.
“In recent months, numerous reports have circulated on social media of adults who have gone missing due to financial distress, domestic violence, drug and narcotics use, or mental health issues,” said Gounden. “In many cases, the missing individual doesn’t confide in loved ones, choosing instead to leave without warning. This leaves families distraught and desperate, with no choice but to report them missing.”
She explained that while search and rescue resources are deployed immediately, not all disappearances involve foul play.
“Sometimes the person leaves voluntarily, and these resources are sadly wasted. In more tragic cases, we locate the missing individual deceased, often due to hijacking, suicide, or murder.”
Gounden also noted that many adults are involved in risky behaviour, further complicating search efforts. “Some are in debt to drug dealers or loan sharks, while others may be involved in extramarital affairs. These circumstances make locating them more complex.”
She stressed the importance of prompt and honest reporting. “There is no waiting period to report a missing person—it’s a myth that you must wait 24 hours. We urge people to be honest and provide as much detail as possible. The more we know, the better the chances of finding someone quickly.”
Offering words of comfort, Gounden added, “I truly hope that the family of Vanesan Govender finds him safe and in good health.”
To contact Renegades Search & Rescue, call: Dawn on 074 712 5855, Sham on 072 805 4442 or Sanjeev on 083 337 8694.
Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), also confirmed a surge in missing adult cases this year.
“Since 1 January, 220 people have been reported missing,” said Balram. “In most of these cases, the individuals are later found deceased, although some are located in hospitals. I don’t have exact figures, but my advice to relatives is simple: report someone missing immediately,” said Balram
Balram clarified that RUSA does not require a police case number to begin searching for a missing person. “However, we do require the person making the report to be an immediate family member—not just a friend or romantic partner. Tragically, we’ve seen instances where delays in the process have resulted in someone committing suicide.”
To report a missing person to RUSA, call 086 1234 333.
Meanwhile, Sydenham SAPS are also appealing to the public for help in locating Nomzamo “Pinky” Duma, a 28-year-old woman who went missing nearly five years ago.
According to Simo Jili, Sydenham SAPS communications officer, Duma was last seen on 22 October 2020 around the George Hill Informal Settlement. “Her nephew was the last person to see her. He described her as fair in complexion.”
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact: Detective Constable Sphelele Nzimande on 084 526 8776 or crime Stop on 08600 10111
