Miriam Tobias has moved into her son's four-roomed shack with the hope that one day he will walk through the door after he disappeared mysteriously in February.
Boiketlong community activist Papi Tobias, 47, was allegedly last seen in the company of a senior police officer outside a popular tavern.
Papi's disappearance is suspected to be linked to his role in advocating for the development of Boiketlong, an informal settlement in Sebokeng.
He was also part of the Concerned Group of Boiketlong, which often challenged decisions made by leadership in the area.
"Before his disappearance Papi had raised concern about funds that the community had raised to pay a lawyer dealing with the Boiketlong Four case," said Boy Mabizela, a Concerned Group member.
The Boiketlong Four is a group of community leaders who were sentenced to 16 years in prison for arson and malicious damage to property after burning down the house of a local councillor during a 2013 protest.
They are currently out on bail pending their appeal against their convictions and sentences.
Recently, the group's members searched a nearby mountain for Papi, but with no luck.
Miriam, 74, will not give up hope.
"I believe that my son is alive. I just have to pray to God that one day he will walk through those doors," she said.
Sources close to the investigation into Papi's disappearance told Sowetan a senior policeman could be charged in connection with the case. Sowetan understands that a statement by a witness implicated the officer. The docket has allegedly been sent to prosecutors for a decision on whether or not to prosecute.
"I've given them [the police] so many leads from things we hear from the community. But they do nothing with the information. Instead they suspect me of being involved in my son's disappearance," Miriam said.
She said police had come to her house and inspected the floor, saying they suspected Papi could be buried there.
In March, the desperate family met with Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, who allegedly promised to get back to the family in a week's time with information. They have not heard from her since.
Nkosi-Malobane's spokesman Thapelo Moiloa failed to respond to questions sent on e-mail and SMS.
Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza said investigations were continuing.
"We have followed up several leads however nothing concrete has come up," Kweza said.
She did not respond to specific questions on whether a police officer was questioned or suspended in relation to the case, nor about allegations that the Tobias family was denied access to see someone detained at the Sebokeng police station shortly after Papi's disappearance.
Kweza appealed to anyone who has information on the disappearance to approach the nearest police station or call the SAPS toll free number 10111.
mbelet@sowetan.co.za
Cop 'a suspect' in case of missing activist
Miriam Tobias has moved into her son's four-roomed shack with the hope that one day he will walk through the door after he disappeared mysteriously in February.
Boiketlong community activist Papi Tobias, 47, was allegedly last seen in the company of a senior police officer outside a popular tavern.
Papi's disappearance is suspected to be linked to his role in advocating for the development of Boiketlong, an informal settlement in Sebokeng.
He was also part of the Concerned Group of Boiketlong, which often challenged decisions made by leadership in the area.
"Before his disappearance Papi had raised concern about funds that the community had raised to pay a lawyer dealing with the Boiketlong Four case," said Boy Mabizela, a Concerned Group member.
The Boiketlong Four is a group of community leaders who were sentenced to 16 years in prison for arson and malicious damage to property after burning down the house of a local councillor during a 2013 protest.
They are currently out on bail pending their appeal against their convictions and sentences.
Recently, the group's members searched a nearby mountain for Papi, but with no luck.
Miriam, 74, will not give up hope.
"I believe that my son is alive. I just have to pray to God that one day he will walk through those doors," she said.
Sources close to the investigation into Papi's disappearance told Sowetan a senior policeman could be charged in connection with the case. Sowetan understands that a statement by a witness implicated the officer. The docket has allegedly been sent to prosecutors for a decision on whether or not to prosecute.
"I've given them [the police] so many leads from things we hear from the community. But they do nothing with the information. Instead they suspect me of being involved in my son's disappearance," Miriam said.
She said police had come to her house and inspected the floor, saying they suspected Papi could be buried there.
In March, the desperate family met with Gauteng community safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, who allegedly promised to get back to the family in a week's time with information. They have not heard from her since.
Nkosi-Malobane's spokesman Thapelo Moiloa failed to respond to questions sent on e-mail and SMS.
Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza said investigations were continuing.
"We have followed up several leads however nothing concrete has come up," Kweza said.
She did not respond to specific questions on whether a police officer was questioned or suspended in relation to the case, nor about allegations that the Tobias family was denied access to see someone detained at the Sebokeng police station shortly after Papi's disappearance.
Kweza appealed to anyone who has information on the disappearance to approach the nearest police station or call the SAPS toll free number 10111.
mbelet@sowetan.co.za
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