On December 5, exactly two years ago, every parent’s nightmare became a reality for Despatch parents, Wesley Uithaler and Anthea Roman, when their son, Almonré Antovian Ashley Roman, went missing after getting into a white VW Kombi. Roman was 18 when he disappeared.
The emotional father said,
Remembering his bubbly son, Uithaler said the thing he misses most about him is his ability to lighten up any room he entered. “Almonré is truly one of a kind, a true people’s person. He walks into a room and, even if there was tension, it instantly eases up, and everyone laughs and smiles. He also loved his family very much. His determination to make it in the entertainment industry was inspiring, even to me as an older man.”
Two years later, Uithaler vividly remembers the day his son went missing . “I was working the night shift in Buffalo City when his mother called to ask whether our son was with me. I told her no, and instantly, chills went down my spine. She said it was unlike him not to spend a night at home, and she knew something was wrong.”
Early last year, Uithaler told the UD Express, “Every time he left for Cape Town or auditions, such as trying for a role in Arendsvlei, he would contact me to say he arrived safely. He has always been social but very responsible. He does not drink excessively, smoke, or engage in anything reckless, so I tried not to panic when his mother told me this.”
After reporting their son missing, Roman’s family felt they could not just wait for the police to investigate; they had to do their bit to help bring their son home.
“Social media is a powerful tool, and through it, we can reach millions. We have been posting about our missing boy, pleading with the public to share any details with us. I’m asking anyone who might know something to contact me. They can remain anonymous; we just want answers, which I’m sure many can understand. Sometimes it’s even hard to eat or fall asleep; we need answers,” the father pleaded.
Uithaler said that the white van Roman was last seen entering belonged to someone who initially denied seeing the teenager on the day he went missing but later admitted to giving him a lift after being shown video footage of Roman entering his vehicle.
According to Uithaler last year, the police said they did not have enough evidence to arrest the person. The UD Express previously reported that this person had posted a statement on social media denying involvement in Roman’s disappearance. He admitted seeing Roman, giving him a lift, and dropping him off, but did not know what happened to him afterwards.
According to SAPS, there have not been any developments in Roman’s case.
In conclusion, Uithaler pleaded again with the public to contact him or the police if anyone knows anything, “No matter how insignificant you might think it is, please bring it forward. It might help bring our son back home or give us answers.”
To his son, the father wished to say, “My boy, I will never give up the hope that you will return to us. I’m trusting God.”
Wesley Uithaler can be contacted at 078 452 9380.
