Says people trying to capitalise on photographer's disappearance

Bjorn Buke, STAR Writer

Amid being fraught with false developments, the family of missing photographer Niketa Thomas, the operator of Nickfotoworks.com, is now fuming that his disappearance is being capitalised on by apparent scammers and hangers-on.

Since Thomas' disappearance, there has been wide speculation as to his whereabouts. Now, his family is faced with not only having to focus on his safe return, but also to manoeuvre through a number of ploys employed by exploitative persons.

The ploys, the family says, include creating false missing persons reward offers, and the unscrupulous use of online fundraising websites to amass funds for personal use and benefit.

Close family

"I've come to see that Nick's dilemma has become a showcase or a party for everybody to take part in," said a close family member. "I don't know if it is a popularity ride."

The photographer's family maintains that they have not given anyone permission to use Niketa's name or image for event.

Thomas and his cousin have been missing since Monday, October 5, 2015. Information reaching THE STAR was that relatives last saw Thomas on October 4, but his neighbours said they saw him the following day about 5 p.m.