Police appeal for information on suspect in Quinton Plaatjies kidnapping
Quinton Plaatjies, a retired Department of Correctional Services official, has been missing for over five years. Police are seeking assistance to locate a suspect linked to his kidnapping case.
Image: Supplied
A significant breakthrough is imminent in the cold case of Quinton “Doenas” Plaatjies, a retired Department of Correctional Services official who disappeared five years ago following a multi-million-rand payout.
In the latest development, the Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Intervention Task Team is seeking community assistance to trace a wanted suspect linked to the October 2020 kidnapping in Kariega.
At that time, Plaatjies was reported missing at Bethelsdorp SAPS. Despite extensive investigations, detectives could not locate him, and information later emerged indicating he had been kidnapped.
“A warrant for arrest has since been issued for Donovan Williams, also known as “Poenie,” said the police in a national statement. “According to information, on October 31, 2020, the victim, Quinton Plaatjies, also known as “Doenas,” was allegedly lured to Fiskaal Street in Kamesh, Kariega.” Police say the brazen kidnappers stormed into Plaatjies' residence: “It is alleged that the suspect, together with three accomplices, switched off the electricity supply to the residence before storming inside armed with handguns.
“Anyone who can assist in locating Donovan Williams or who may have information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Leslie Kilian on 082 410 7492, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or their nearest police station. All information will be treated as strictly confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
“Police further warn the community that harbouring a wanted suspect is a serious criminal offence, and anyone found contravening the law will be arrested and prosecuted."
In a joint statement shared with Cape Argus, Plaatjies' sisters said they wished to know what happened to their brother’s remains and were seeking answers: “As Plaatjies' sisters, our hearts are very hurt, as Donovan Williams is still at large.
"Our brother has been missing for over five years, and we live with uncertainty every day. The culprits do not come forward with where and what they did with his body...“It also gives us hope that the arm of justice is long and that they are working tirelessly to catch this alleged syndicate, so that we have the knowledge that our brother did not die in vain and end up as just another statistic of syndicate kidnappers.”
Plaatjies family previously revealed he received a payout of close to R4 million and that he left his home in October 2020 to visit relatives in Nysschen Street in Bethelsdorp in PE and was never seen again.
Plaatjies bank account has since been frozen for investigation purposes.
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