The Wynberg Regional Court heard chilling details on Friday about the alleged involvement of four suspects in a series of robberies committed on Valentine’s Day last year, the same day 23-year-old German tourist Nick Frischke disappeared while hiking the Hangberg trail in Hout Bay.
Four witnesses took the stand, including three police officers who were stationed at Hout Bay Police Station at the time and the mother of one of the accused. Their testimonies aimed to corroborate evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The suspects—23-year-old Carlo Geunantin, 21-year-old Ishaam Fischer, 22-year-old Vanroy Petersen, and 36-year-old Melvin Geunatin—appeared in a sparsely populated courtroom. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has linked them to Frischke’s disappearance on 14 February 2023.
The court heard that the group allegedly carried out other crimes on the same day, including the armed robbery of a delivery truck. Frischke’s belongings, including his cellphone, backpack, and credit card, were found in their possession. The suspects have previously admitted to robbing Frischke on the Hangberg trail.
Although the state has pushed to add murder charges to their record, this has not been possible due to a lack of evidence. Frischke remains missing, and his disappearance has sparked significant international attention.
The trial has been postponed to 16 January 2025. The suspects will remain in custody as investigations continue.
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