Missing Deidre: Dad reports theft as police probe complex casev

The police are investigating the complex disappearance of Deidre Meyer, whose father reported her missing and simultaneously opened a vehicle theft case against her.

National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday confirmed this.

She said the police do not have a dedicated unit to investigate missing persons cases, and instead reports are investigated by general detectives at police stations.

In reference to Meyer’s disappearance, Shikwambi said missing persons reports can be quite “complex”.

“The father considers her missing, yet simultaneously opens a case of theft against her. It creates a lot of confusion around whether we’re dealing with a criminal case, a domestic dispute, or a genuine disappearance,” Shikwambi told Desert FM yesterday.

According to The Namibian’s earlier reporting, Meyer had recently returned from a wellness retreat in South Africa.

Friends say she has been struggling emotionally and was taking time to “find herself”.

Meyer’s sudden disappearance has shocked many, with loved ones unsure whether she left intentionally or if something more sinister took place.

While Meyer’s case made its way onto social media, Shikwambi says this should never replace formal police procedures.

“Missing persons reports are circulated online daily. While it helps in some cases, many are never officially reported to the police, which delays investigations.

“In Deidre’s case, we now also have to weigh the theft report, which complicates our approach,” she told Desert FM.

Namibia has seen a number of missing persons cases in recent years, including that of Magdalena Stoffels (17), Mandela Spencer (3) from Lüderitz, and Heita Jason – all of whom remain missing.

Shikwambi said these cases are not closed, but classified as “cold” due to a lack of leads.

“We continue to call on the public to come forward with any information, no matter how little,” she said.

She urged families to report disappearances promptly.

“If it’s a child, it must be reported within 24 hours. For adults, it’s within 48 hours, but sooner is always better, especially if there are signs of danger,” she said.

According to Meyer’s father, Theodor’s communication with the police, Meyer went missing after leaving with his white Suzuki, with registration number N212WB, to visit the local Metro supermarket.

He cannot remember what she was wearing when she left the house at Meersig, he said.

Theodor has contacted Meyer’s workplace, but was told she had not been at work since 14 April.

She speaks Afrikaans and English and does not drink or smoke, the police say.

Senior inspector Judith Shomongula yesterday said the situation has not changed.

“Her phone is still off. Nobody has seen her. There is no additional information. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is requested to contact deputy commissioner Erastus Iikuyu at 081 246 4757 or detective warrant officer Sibalatani Simataa on 081 437 7841 or the nearest police station,” she said.

Police investigations continue.