Woman’s disappearance sparks online frenzy

Jené Theron (21), who was reported missing by her mother, Janet Müller, on Thursday December 9, was found safe and sound by Albert Gryvenstein of Bossies Community Justice late on Monday afternoon.

The news of Theron’s disappearance spread across social media like wildfire. Various posts by friends and family garnered hundreds of shares as the community banded together to help find her.

Theron had reportedly last been seen at The Lapa in Mbombela on December 9. By Monday morning, speculation over whom Theron was last seen with, led to the false identification of a man who had allegedly been spotted with her.

Werner van Vuren’s name and a photo of him were soon being circulated across social media and by Monday midday, he was fending off nasty calls and messages as people assumed he had last been seen with Theron.

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He took to trying to defend himself and clearing his name.

Müller had even received a phone call from Van Vuren’s father, who demanded the post be taken down and an apology be issued, which Müller did immediately.

However, others had already shared the post and it circulated widely, accusing Van Vuren before the apology was made.

Van Vuren posted a comment on Lowvelder’s Facebook page, warning people of sharing unconfirmed information and sharing people’s photos accusing them of something they did not do.

His comment is as follows: “Good day. There was a lot of speculation on the lady that went missing, but was luckily found. My name, among other Werner van Vurens, did the rounds on social media. Let me make this clear. There are only a handful of people who are called and spelled correctly as Werner van Vuren. Yes, I do come from Nelspruit, but I reside in Pretoria. I have no connection to the lady in question, nor to the lady whose surname is Müller, spelled exactly like my fiancée’s, who raised the concern to the public.
“One should be careful to tag people you think might be the correct individual she was with. This can have big repercussions, as they are false statements. As someone who practises law, this is concerning to me, and it was not a pleasant day. Be that as it may, the main objective was her safety and I am thankful she is safe. Justice will prevail, so let the authorities do their job, because at this stage we don’t know what transpired. Thank you. Werner van Vuren, not Werner van Vuuren.”

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Following Theron’s safe return, the family have asked that the public respect their privacy. The matter is reportedly sensitive and is being dealt with by the family in a private capacity.

Müller has thanked everyone involved in searching for her daughter and helping her to return home safely.

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