New age progression image of missing woman Asheeqah Noordien raises hopes in 20-year-old case

An age progression expert has worked behind the scenes, collaborating with police to create an image of how 26-year-old Asheeqah Noordien could look today, meticulously utilising the facial features of her mother, father and grandmother to present an outcome in the hopes that it can solve the 20 year old missing person’s case.

Police are now working behind the scenes, actively responding to any leads or information that could piece together what happened to Noordien after her mother, Naeemah Noordien and grandmother, Jacqueline Jansen, 67, said they believed Asheeqah may be alive and living in Cape Town, possibly on a farm in Philippi.

This information came to light during a meeting with the police, which the Cape Argus was also invited to be part of.

During the interview, the women reached out ot to the public, appealing for information and also called on Noordien to come forward should she still be alive.

In June 2005, a 6-year-old Noordien vanished without a trace from Eva Court, Stormsriver Road, Manenberg.

Manenberg police station communications officer, Captain Ian Bennett, said: “As the 20th anniversary of her disappearance approaches, her family remains unwavering in their search for answers. Her grandmother, Jacqueline Jansen and mother Naeema Noordien, has never given up hope. For years, they visited the Manenberg police station daily, refusing to let time erase their daughter’s memory. They continue to live at the same address, searching tirelessly, never placing blame on anyone, only holding onto the belief that Asheeqah will be found."

Recently, Jansen had a vivid dream in which Noordien called out for help.

“The experience was so powerful that she believes it was a spiritual connection with her missing granddaughter. 

“Determined to act, she returned to the police station, where Brigadier Jayce Naidoo the new Station Commander of Manenberg SAPS rallied his commanders to listen to her story."

Bennett said several fresh inquiries are under way, and new interviews are being conducted.

“In a groundbreaking move, SAPS Manenberg approached an age progression expert to reconstruct Asheeqah’s face, using images of her parents, grandmother, and cousins as reference,” he said. 

Bennett shared the expert's explanation of how age progression is done, which does not solely rely on tools such as AI.

"It's crucial to obtain several clear unedited photos of the missing person. It's also equally important to get clear photos of their siblings and parents with similar features to see the different stages of how they've aged through the years.

“It's also essential for the artist to find out more about the missing person's background, their personality, how they looked after themselves, dietary habits, their lifestyles, etc. For example smokers, drug users, alcoholics, or binge-eaters will age differently to those living a more wholesome lifestyle.”

If anyone recognises the face, has information, or can provide new insights, can contact Manenberg SAPS, 021 699 9400 , Sergeant Landers, 082 379 1535, Crime Stop 08600 10111.

Cape Argus