Welkom teacher vanishes after late-night call to his wife cuts off
Gert Adams, 55, was reportedly taken from Welkom on 4 October, and his abandoned Hyundai was found at the Klippan two days later with his phone still inside.
A Welkom educator is still missing more than a week after he was reportedly taken from the town, and Free State police say they do not yet know why.
Gert Adams, 55, contacted his wife by phone before the call was abruptly ended, according to the South African Police Service. He was reported missing afterwards.
The Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes unit is investigating a case of alleged carjacking and kidnapping. Police say the victim was allegedly forcefully taken by unknown suspects on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at about 23:30.
His grey Hyundai iX35 was found and retrieved from the Klippan in Welkom on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. There was nobody inside. His cellphone and other items were found in the vehicle.
The motive for the kidnapping remains unclear, police say, and the search for Adams and for possible suspects forms part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist is asked to contact D/Sergeant Tsie Matlokotsi of the Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes unit on 078 758 5658. Information can also be given to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or through an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS App. Police say information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Enquiries on the case can be directed to Sergeant Palesa Thabana on 079 528 4811.
The statement was issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, Free State. The full notice is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71768.
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