[imagesource:Missing Nick Frischke /Facebook

The mother of missing German tourist Nick Frischke, along with her family and supporters, has launched a global campaign called the “Green Monkey” to symbolise their ongoing search to find him.

To raise awareness, Jana Frischke explained that the Green Monkey symbol was chosen to represent Nick’s favourite colour and his passion for climbing. The monkey design, now being distributed with missing person flyers, has spread globally, with some travelling to Germany and other countries as part of the effort to find him.

Nick’s mother, Jana told IOL the Green Monkey campaign was a symbol of hope.

“Nick loves the colour green,” Jana shared. “He’s always been athletic, enjoys climbing, and would often use a swing bar at home for pull-ups. We used to joke that he was our little monkey. At the start of school, Nick even got a monkey figurine on his sugar cone, which became one of his favourite toys.”

“We do not want to give up on Nick.”

As the campaign was launched, the trial of four suspected members of the 28s gang, accused of robbing Frischke and several others, is still underway at the Wynberg Regional Court.

However, Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, confirmed that while the trial is still being held behind closed doors, it will be open to the public starting next week.

The accused – Ishaam Fischer, Melvin Geunantin, Vanroy Petersen, and Carlo Geunanin – appeared in court last week, with Ntabazalila noting, “The State plans to call the Hout Bay Station Commander as a witness, and the court will then be open to the public and media. The four are facing charges in connection with Frischke’s case, as well as multiple robberies in Hout Bay.

The charges against them include robbery, housebreaking, firearm offences, and violations under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Despite evidence such as DNA linking them to the crimes, they have pleaded not guilty, according to a report from IOL news.

Frischke, who vanished almost two years ago while hiking the Hangberg Trail between Hout Bay and Sandy Bay, is believed to have been robbed by the accused, who allegedly took his Redmi Note 8 Pro phone and backpack.

In a heartfelt social media post, Jana expressed her ongoing heartache over her son’s disappearance, writing: “Dear Nick, it’s been 90 weeks since I’ve seen you. Some days are so, so difficult. Please, everyone, keep your eyes and ears open for my Nick!”

The Green Monkey figure, created using a 3D printer by Jana’s partner, Dirk, is distributed globally. “We usually send these monkeys throughout Germany,” she explained.

“People then take them on their travels or send them on a journey to spread the word and help find Nick.”

Jana shared that one monkey, number six, had travelled from Malta to Stellenbosch, South Africa, while others made their way from Berlin to Lufthansa and from Zurich to Cape Town.

“The monkeys aren’t for sale; they’re made by Dirk in Germany, and tourists carry them to places around the world, helping to keep Nick’s story alive.”

One can only think how terrible it must be to simply not know what happened to your child.

[source:iol]