This is according to the police spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring, who told OFM News that at around 12pm Amkelani Thwala was on his way home from Phuthaditjhaba to KwaZulu-Natal.

Mophiring added that both Thwala's brother and mother stated that they have spoken to him at around 4pm the same day. He allegedly told his mother that he needed money and informed his bother that he was in Harrismith. He disappeared after that.

Mophiring stated that there are various rumours of Thwala’s disappearance, but police are following all leads.

He added that Thwala’s disappearance, amongst other things, sparked havoc at the university on Monday as students embarked on a protest against management and police as they alleged that both parties are doing nothing to trace the missing student.

Mophiring told OFM News that the students on Monday stood outside the gates of the university and pelted management’s vehicles with stones. He added that police managed to arrest some of the students involved in the vandalism. The university had to close their gates on Tuesday to prevent more damage to property.

Mophiring stated that they are hoping that Thwala will be found alive by the end of this week and urges anyone with information to contact the police.

According to him, Thwala was wearing black jeans, a red T-shirt and a grey backpack.

OFM News/Elsabé Richard