BREAKING: Missing Bok found
NEWS: The Blue Bulls Company confirmed that contracted player Sibusiso Nkosi had been located, safe and sound – ending several days of speculation about his whereabouts.
After lengthy and extensive efforts from the Bulls, in collaboration with a security company – who have gone beyond their commercial responsibility – the Bulls revealed that at 14:02 on Monday, December 5, Nkosi was located.
The BBC at the weekend revealed that Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks.
“Once it was established that Nkosi was safe, unharmed and in a position to speak, Chief Executive Edgar Rathbone went into Nkosi’s home [with the permission of the player], spending alone time with him – to understand how best the company can provide him with the support he needs and what that support is,” the Bulls said in a statement.
“As the Bulls family, we are thrilled that Nkosi is safe.
“We wish to extend a vote of thanks to all the members of the public who shared information that contributed to our search.
“We wish to also express a word of thanks to the international community who also joined the call and efforts in searching for Nkosi.”
The BBC declined to comment further on the matter or reveal any details about his absence.
However, Rathbone confirmed to @rugby365com that the player was located at the residence of his father in a suburb of Witbank in the province of Mpumalanga.
The BBC will hold a media briefing at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, December 6.
At the weekend the Bulls said there were “numerous failed attempts” – including phone calls, text messages, calls to relatives, partner and close friends as well as four house visits to his known place of residence.
The BBC opened a missing person case with the Brooklyn Police Station, which was subsequently transferred to Sunnyside Police Station.
Before Monday’s developments, Nkosi’s last known contact with any executive, management or playing squad member was Friday, November 11.
There are reports that Nkosi had similar off-field transgressions during his time with the Sharks.
He made the last of his 16 Test appearances against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in October last year.
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