Mystery of Western Cape farmer's disappearance deepens as extradition process unfolds

The family of a Western Cape farmer who mysteriously disappeared eleven years ago from Egypt near Barrydale says authorities and a private investigator are tight-lipped about the case. Police have confirmed that his two labourers are expected to be extradited from Lesotho following their arrest but that the matter was pending.

Andrew Whittingdale, 56, was the owner of Makouvlei Olive farm on Route 62 between Barrydale and Ladismith in the Western Cape and vanished on January 3, 2014.

This month, police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the extradition process was not finalised as yet.

“The matter you are referring to is still under investigation.  The suspect/s were traced to Lesotho where the extradition process is pending,” Twigg explained.

The two men, identified as Meshack Mphatsoane and Ernest Mphatsoane from Lesotho, were employed by Whittingdale in January 2014.

Previously, according to private investigator, Leon Rossouw, a large amount of money was emptied from the farmer’s bank account at the time of his disappearance.

He said Whittingdale left his farm to fix a burst pipe between Egypt and Barrydale and Ladismith.

An SMS was sent to his business partner later that day asking for R200 000, which raised suspicions and his disappearance was reported to the police.

The police found his bakkie at the farm Egypt, but there was no trace of Whittingdale and questioned the two farm workers that were with him that day.

But the men allegedly claimed they saw Whittingdale willingly getting into a BMW with two white men.

When Whittingdale disappeared, his cellphone had been traced to Lesotho and his bank account emptied.

But his sister, Jane Whittingdale said communication from Rossouw and the police have been poor with claims that the men were sick and could not be extradited.

“I will never ever stop looking for Andrew's body .He was gay but he wasn't evil," she told the Cape Argus.

“I received a call from the Detective last year saying that Mishack and Ernest had been arrested in Lesotho .

“They were waiting for them to be extradited to SA.

“I was told not to tell anyone  as the men could get lawyers and be released . 

“I was accused of leaking information. I heard nothing since then .

“I called Rossouw who said the  two men were let out because of ill health.

“I called the detective who said one in hospital and one at home .

Cape Argus has since reached out to Rossouw via email and telephonically. Earlier this week via a telephone call, he said he would provide an explanation on the matter but has yet to respond to queries.

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Cape Argus