Polokwane: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Polokwane has asked community members to come forward with any information that might help locate 42‑year‑old Clinton Cloud Vander Merwe, who has been missing since mid‑July.
Where and when he was last seen
Police say Vander Merwe was last observed by his grandmother at her residence in Flora Park on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at about 3:30pm. His family has been unable to determine his whereabouts since that afternoon. SAPS did not disclose further details about the circumstances of his disappearance or the clothing he was wearing when last seen.
How the public can help
Authorities have provided direct contact options for anyone with information that could assist the investigation. The investigating officer is Sergeant Mokgadi Molope. The public is urged to use one of the following channels:
- Contact Sergeant Mokgadi Molope on 082 728 9831.
- Call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
- Report at the nearest police station or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS App.
“Anyone with information that could assist the police in locating Clinton Cloud Vander Merwe is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Mokgadi Molope, on 082 728 9831,” SAPS said.
What police and family need from the community
Missing‑person cases often hinge on small details: sightings, social media posts, CCTV footage, or movements around taxi ranks, clinics, shops and public spaces. SAPS has appealed for assistance from residents, motorists and business owners in Flora Park and surrounding suburbs to check any footage or to report anything unusual they may have noticed on or around 15 July.
Investigators also ask that anyone who may have given Vander Merwe a lift, or who has encountered him since that date, contact the investigation team rather than attempting to approach him directly. Information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stop or the MySAPS App if sources prefer not to identify themselves.
Practical steps for neighbours and communities
Community cooperation can be decisive in locating missing people. SAPS recommends neighbours and local businesses take these practical steps:
- Check home CCTV, dashcams and CCTV at shops or salons for images from 15 July onwards.
- Speak to informal networks, taxi drivers and minibus operators who operate in Flora Park.
- Share the contact numbers provided by police and encourage anyone with information to call.
Support for the family
While the investigation continues, police have emphasised the importance of community support for Vander Merwe’s family. Missing‑person investigations can be traumatic for relatives; police liaison officers are available at local stations to assist families with updates and to provide guidance on what to do next.
| Contact | Number / Method |
|---|---|
| Investigating officer (Sgt Mokgadi Molope) | 082 728 9831 |
| Crime Stop | 08600 10111 |
| Anonymous tip | MySAPS App or nearest police station |
Anyone who believes they have seen Vander Merwe or who has relevant information is asked to contact the numbers above without delay. SAPS in Polokwane has not released further personal details or photographs publicly; the appeal is focused on gathering leads that could reunite the man with his family.
This office will continue to follow any updates released by SAPS and relay verified information to the community. Community members with tips are encouraged to act quickly — even seemingly minor observations can be important to investigators.
Picture credit: Facebook / SAPS (as reported).
Polokwane correspondent reporting.
