Investigating a German's Disappearance in Cape Town: Insights from a Private Detective - Person gone missing in Cape Town, private investigator declares
In the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, the search for 22-year-old German tourist Nick Frischke continues, nearly three years after his mysterious disappearance while hiking[1][2]. Frischke's family and friends have not given up hope, and his mother continues to express her determination to find him[5].
The latest developments in the case involve a trial against four suspects: Igshaan Fisher, Jason Abrahams, Vanroy Petersen, and others, who have been charged with armed robbery in connection with Frischke's disappearance[6]. The trial is set to resume on Friday[7].
The investigation has uncovered some crucial details about Frischke's last known moments. On February 15, 2023, Frischke was spotted on a security camera at the foot of Karbonkelberg in Hout Bay, the last place he was seen before his disappearance[8]. That day, he had arrived in a Pinelands Airbnb[9], wearing sportswear and having been dropped off there by a ride-hailing service[10].
Tragically, Frischke's backpack, phone, and credit card were stolen before he vanished[11]. The stolen items were later found in the possession of the four suspects[12], as stated by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Lead investigator Dudley Truter has testified that one of the accused implicated an alleged accomplice in a sworn statement, claiming that Frischke was stabbed in the back[13]. However, the NPA's attempts to gather sufficient evidence for a murder charge have so far been unsuccessful[14].
It's important to note that the crime rate in South Africa, with a population of approximately 64 million, is high and has increased[15]. Between January and March 2025, over 5700 intentional killings were reported, equating to 62 people per day[16].
Photos of Nick, who was a volunteer firefighter at home, have been shared by his family, asking residents of Cape Town to remember his face and report any leads[17]. The Frischke family has also created a Facebook group, "Missing - Nick Frischke," where they share updates and seek support from the community[18].
As the trial progresses, the hope remains that new evidence will come to light and bring closure to the Frischke family and friends, who long for answers about what happened to Nick in Cape Town.
[1] https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-02-16-missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay/ [2] https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay-20230216 [3] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay-20230216 [4] https://www.saharareporters.com/2023/02/16/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-hout-bay-south-africa [5] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2627811629291733 [6] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-suspects-in-custody-in-connection-with-disappearance-of-german-tourist-nick-frischke-20230309 [7] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-suspects-in-custody-in-connection-with-disappearance-of-german-tourist-nick-frischke-20230309 [8] https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-02-16-missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay/ [9] https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay-20230216 [10] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-in-hout-bay-20230216 [11] https://www.saharareporters.com/2023/02/16/missing-german-tourist-nick-frischke-last-seen-hout-bay-south-africa [12] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-suspects-in-custody-in-connection-with-disappearance-of-german-tourist-nick-frischke-20230309 [13] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-suspects-in-custody-in-connection-with-disappearance-of-german-tourist-nick-frischke-20230309 [14] https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/four-suspects-in-custody-in-connection-with-disappearance-of-german-tourist-nick-frischke-20230309 [15] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P03103/P031032021Q1/Criminal-Justice-Statistics-Quarterly-Bulletin-January-2021 [16] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P03103/P031032022Q1/Criminal-Justice-Statistics-Quarterly-Bulletin-January-2022 [17] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2627811629291733 [18] https://www.facebook.com/groups/2627811629291733
- In the midst of the ongoing trial against four suspects, it would be prudent for the Community policy of Cape Town to consider implementing stricter measures to address the rise in crime-and-justice incidents, such as the case of missing German tourist Nick Frischke.
- As the general-news of Nick Frischke's disappearance and the subsequent trial garner attention, local employment policies should encourage citizens to share any information that could lead to the resolution of this tragic case, ensuring a safer environment for tourists and residents alike.
