Vredenburg — The community of Vredenburg in the Western Cape is still in disbelief following the disappearance of a 19-year-old matric pupil, Romano Fredericks.
Romano, a learner at Louwville High School, disappeared on 3 August after he was visiting a friend. The community pastor, Francisco Tejada, said the young man was dropped at a crossing near Laingville and was not seen since then, The Citizen reported.
The town is still in shock by Romano’s disappearance and the community have been worried about the safety concerns in the area. They believe the police should be doing more. Tejada added that children should feel safe within the community.
“They’re walking around with unanswered questions. People have big concerns over the safety of their children. They have this mindset of whose child is going to be next?” he said.
Romano Cole Fredericks (18) was last seen 3 August 2024.
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According to EWN, Romano’s friends and family had said last week that they were still hopeful that Romano would return home safely. Vredenburg community leader, Norman Van Wyk, said Romano was looking forward to attending his matric ball, which was set to happen earlier in August.
“Romano’s suit was set out, his family organised the food and stuff, the makeup of the place where the photo shoot was going to take place. He was excited to attend his matric ball, according to his school friends,” Van Wyk said.
Van Wyk also explained that Fredericks had hitchhiked a lift to Velddrif (a neighbouring town) to watch a rugby match, and on his way home he disappeared. He also revealed that Romano’s phone had pinged in Laingville.
This marks the second incident within the past year that a child has mysteriously disappeared on the West Coast following the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
Smith went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay, just 26km away from Vredenburg, on 19 February and now, six months later, she remains missing. Tejada speculated that the key difference between the two incidents was that Joshlin’s was more organised and planned, while Romano’s was not.
The community remained hopeful that Romano would return safely and the search has continued.
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Picture: Facebook/Pastor Francisco Tejada
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
