A 42-year-old man who was arrested over the weekend will appear in court today in connected with the disappearance of missing University of Cape Town (UCT) student Uyinene “Nene” Mrwetyana.
South African Police Services (SAPS) may be at a sensitive stage in the case of the 19-year-old’s disappearance, as they remained tight-lipped during this time. They did, however, reveal that the suspect was apprehended in Claremont on Saturday.
Mrwetyana was last seen in Claremont on Saturday, August 24. According to reports, Nene left her residence at Roscommon House in Claremont’s Main Road at approximately 1.30pm before making her way to Mowbray to have her nails done.
Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa told SABC News that a man was arrested and an extensive investigation is underway to determine her whereabouts.
“We are confident the interviewing of the 42-year-old will eventually lead to the finalisation of the investigation, thereby bringing an end to days of uncertainty for her family,” said Potelwa. “Meanwhile, DNA tests and an autopsy are expected to be performed soon on an unidentified body that was discovered in Lingelethu West, Khayelitsha on Monday, in an effort to determine the identity and cause of death.”
Last week, well-known private investigator Noel Pratten was hired to assist in finding Mrwetyana. After rumours of a body being found circulated on social media, Pratten stressed that fake news was not helping the case but rather causing hurt to her loved ones.
She was last seen wearing a pair of baggy brown corduroy trousers with a black handbag. She also has a pierced septum.
Mrwetyana’s disappearance caused a national outcry, and many are hosting vigils across the country to show their support for her family, as well as their faith in her safe return. Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz on Sunday commended SAPS for arresting a suspect. “The prevalence of gender-based violence in our society is of grave concern. As a society, we must embark on a 365-day campaign to put an immediate end to violence,”said Fritz.
If you have information contact Saps Claremont Const Nkonki TEL: 021-657 2240/ 021-657 2243 /079 894 1563 Pink Ladies Org 072 214 7439/083 378 4882/08600 10111
Picture: Uyinene Mrwetyana/Instagram