The Hawks in the Eastern Cape have taken over the investigation into the disappearance of a teenager from Despatch.
Eighteen-year-old Almonre Antovian Ashley Roman was last seen on the 5th of December when a family member dropped him off at the Pick 'n Pay in Despatch.
Spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela says they have taken over the investigation after a ransom demand of R220 000 was made for his safe return.
She says the suspects also instructed the family to tell the police to back off if they ever wanted to see Roman alive again.
On the day of his disappearance, he was captured on CCTV footage jumping into a white VW Kombi.
On social media, Roman describes himself as a writer, producer and comedian.
On the day of his disappearance, he was dressed in a cream polo-neck jersey and a black jacket with blue jeans.
Roman is 1.6 m tall and weighs about 50kg.
Rumours
A film producer from Kariega, Whanie Lewis, took to social media on the 29th of December to admit that he was one of the last people who saw Roman.
He urged the public not to ruin his good reputation with rumours.
