Mysterious case: Nick F. from Döbern still missing – trial continues!

Mysterious case: Nick F. from Döbern still missing – trial continues!

The case around 22-year-old Nick Frischke from Döbern, who disappeared into hiking in South Africa more than two years ago, remains unclear. On February 15, 2023, Nick left the hotel, ordered a Uber-Taxi to a poor district called Hangberg and broke up for a hike to the mountains. This region is strongly affected by drug abuse and crime, as a warning sign on the hiking trail is impressive.

The trial against several defendants continues on Thursday, but an end is still not in sight. This complex case has been negotiated since September 2023, and has been repeatedly interrupted by various delays. Among other things, there are further witnesses and the change of defenders reason for the interruptions. In addition to the attack on Nick, the accused, who are a member of the notorious passage "28", is also accused of robberies, burglaries and illegal gun ownership.

Investigations and legal challenges

So far, the investigation has been opaque. Four suspects were quickly identified after personal items from Nick, including cell phones, backpack and credit card, were found. It is assumed that an accomplice has attacked Nick with a knife, with a heavy burden on the main defendant in an affidavit. Nevertheless, there has been no charges for murder, since the evidence is missing and Nick's body has not been found. The public prosecutor's office has decided to wait until further evidence can be used before raising a murder.

Additional security forces have been requested for the process; A total of six police officers are present at the hearings. The new defender asked time to familiarize himself with the case. The defendant's lawyer had previously resigned his mandate due to a "conflict of interest". On Thursday, the senior investigator will be taken to the cross -question to explain further details on the investigative work.

Context of crime in South Africa

The case of Nick Frischke is not isolated. South Africa has one of the highest crime rates worldwide, only Colombia has a similarly drastic location. According to a UN study, the country is a leader of murder from firearms and homicide. The main reasons for this high crime rate are social inequalities and extreme differences in the distribution of income. These problems were reinforced by the apartheid, and after the end of this regime there was a vacuum in the police apparatus, which has not yet been filled.

In poor quarters such as Hangberg, where Nick's hike began, people are often affected by crime. The city council of Cape Town, Jean-Pierre Smith, tries to ensure the security of tourists, but the high level of violence scares many travelers. The police in South Africa faces an enormous workload; There are 200 to 300 investigation files on a police officer. In order to improve the security situation, new measures are always introduced, but the situation remains tense.

Three further negotiation dates are scheduled until the end of August. The investigation and the process remain of great importance for the families and the public, as they draw attention to the continuing problems of crime and the security situation in South Africa.

For more information, please read rbb24, Welt and kapstadt.de.