Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Durban Tour Driver

In a perplexing turn of events, Sagren Kaniappen, a 59-year-old tour driver from Phoenix, Durban, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. Kaniappen, self-employed for over two decades, departed his home at around 9 am last Friday with the intention of picking up a passenger at King Shaka International Airport for a trip to Hillcrest—a journey he never completed.

The bafflement began when Kaniappen's daughter received five missed calls from her father’s phone. In attempts to return the calls, there was no response, spiking the family's anxiety. The situation took an ominous turn that same evening when a family member successfully connected to Kaniappen's phone. A stranger picked up, claimed they were occupied, and abruptly ended the call. Since that unsettling conversation, the phone has remained off, thwarting any further attempts to locate the seasoned driver.

Dawn Gounden, a family spokesperson and member of Renegades Search and Rescue, shared that the family reported the concerning situation to the authorities when it became apparent that something was amiss. The South African Police Service (SAPS) found and recovered Kaniappen’s white Suzuki Ertiga on the day of his disappearance. However, it was in Cato Manor, a considerable distance from his intended route between the airport and Hillcrest.

While the recovery of the vehicle is a significant clue, the specific details around the incidence remain restricted to not jeopardize the ongoing investigation. The police have suggested a potential reclassification of the case from a missing person to kidnapping, indicating the severity and gravity of the circumstances.

Gounden remarked on the additional steps being taken during this daunting period. The family was advised to check local hospitals and government mortuaries for any unidentified men in case Kaniappen was involved in an accident or fell victim to an unfortunate incident.

The community and Kaniappen's colleagues in the tour driving sector have been urged to come forward with any information that might aid in deciphering the enigma of his whereabouts. As the search intensifies and hope lingers on, the contact for any leads remains Dawn Gounden, reachable at 0747125855—a beacon for the family in these uncertain times.

The disappearance of Sagren Kaniappen is not only a personal tragedy for his family and friends but is also an alarming reminder of the unforeseen risks faced by individuals in the personal transport industry.