The Unsettling Disappearance in Johannesburg: Julius Swart

3 mins read
missing persons south africa

Julius Swart, co-owner of Hannon brand and a prominent figure in South Africa’s beauty industry, has disappeared without a trace for over two months. His family and friends are worried and anxious, and his disappearance is part of a larger issue of increasing cases of missing persons in South Africa. Swart’s last reported whereabouts were in Bramley, Johannesburg, and the search for him continues. It is important to report missing persons immediately, as every case represents a life cut short and a family in distress.

Who is Julius Swart and Why is His Disappearance Troubling?

Julius Swart, a well-known figure in South Africa’s beauty industry and co-owner of Hannon brand, has disappeared without a trace for over two months. This has left his family and friends worried and anxious. Swart’s disappearance is part of a larger issue of increasing cases of missing persons in South Africa, which calls for urgent attention and action.

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

In the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, a city known for its vibrancy and diverse narratives, a disquieting enigma progressively takes shape. Julius Swart, a joint proprietor of the esteemed brand Hannon, has inexplicably disappeared. His unexplained absence over the past two months has left his close friends and family increasingly anxious and perplexed. His estranged spouse, Hannon Bothma, also known as the ‘Glam Guru’, shares this anguish. Their personal ordeal is entwined with the larger issue of the escalating number of missing persons in South Africa—a reality that urgently demands public attention and immediate action.

A Celebrated Partnership Shrouded in Mystery

Swart, a notable personality in South Africa’s beauty industry, has mysteriously disappeared, sparking both consternation and confusion. Swart and Bothma, over the course of three decades, have woven a life replete with shared adventures and mutual pursuits. Their wedding in October 2018 signified a joyous milestone in their journey. However, their paths took different directions in 2022. Their pending divorce triggered Swart’s withdrawal from public life.

The last time Swart communicated with his loved ones was on January 23, 2024. Since then, there has been a troubling silence. His last reported whereabouts were in Bramley, a suburb of Johannesburg. Following the declaration of his disappearance, the non-profit organization, Pink Ladies—dedicated to finding missing individuals—has identified him as “vulnerable”.

Dismaying Statistics and Immediate Action

While individual stories of loss touch the heart, hard data presents a worrisome snapshot of the increase in missing person cases in South Africa. Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) registers between 60 and 90 such cases every month. Each case signifies a life cut short, a narrative prematurely concluded, and a family thrown into a whirlpool of insecurity and distress. These figures underscore the compelling necessity for promptly reporting missing persons.

Bianca Van Aswegan, representing MCSA, stresses this need for urgency. She explains that within just 48 hours, a missing person could potentially be trafficked outside the country. This daunting possibility underscores the essential need for immediate action. Regrettably, there is a widespread misconception that one must wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing, which can hinder this urgency.

Van Aswegan asserts that the sooner a case is reported, the faster measures can be taken. This is particularly important when minors are involved. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is devoted to safeguarding its citizens and takes missing persons cases extremely seriously. The procedure for reporting a missing person to SAPS is designed to be simple and facilitate immediate action.

The Search Continues

Against this backdrop of an increasing number of missing person cases in South Africa, the search for Julius Swart remains ongoing. Detective Munyai invites anyone with information that could assist in locating Swart to reach out at 076 888 4069.

In the intricate mosaic of Johannesburg’s existence, some threads go astray, creating voids in the larger narrative. Each missing person leaves a profound absence in the societal fabric. The hope is that through immediate action and public vigilance, these voids can be mended, the missing can be located, and the narrative can be restored to its complete form.

1. Who is Julius Swart?

Julius Swart is a co-owner of Hannon brand and a notable figure in South Africa’s beauty industry.

2. Why is his disappearance troubling?

Swart has disappeared without a trace for over two months, leaving his family and friends worried and anxious. His disappearance is also part of a larger issue of increasing cases of missing persons in South Africa.

3. What do we know about his last reported whereabouts?

Swart’s last reported whereabouts were in Bramley, a suburb of Johannesburg.

4. How urgent is it to report missing persons?

It is important to report missing persons immediately, as every case represents a life cut short and a family in distress. Within just 48 hours, a missing person could potentially be trafficked outside the country.

5. What is the procedure for reporting a missing person in South Africa?

The procedure for reporting a missing person to the South African Police Service (SAPS) is designed to be simple and facilitate immediate action. The sooner a case is reported, the faster measures can be taken.

6. How can someone assist in locating Julius Swart?

Detective Munyai invites anyone with information that could assist in locating Julius Swart to reach out at 076 888 4069.

Thabo Sebata is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the intersection of politics and daily life in South Africa's legislative capital, bringing grassroots perspectives to parliamentary reporting from his upbringing in Gugulethu. When not tracking policy shifts or community responses, he finds inspiration hiking Table Mountain's trails and documenting the city's evolving food scene in Khayelitsha and Bo-Kaap. His work has appeared in leading South African publications, where his distinctive voice captures the complexities of a nation rebuilding itself.

Previous Story

A Closer Look at the Dark Side of Digital Convenience: The Rise of Cybercrime

Next Story

The Queen of the Red Carpet: Cardi B’s Showstopper at the Oscars After-Party

Latest from Blog

Between Concrete and Current – Four Inland Hearts Meet the Indian Ocean

This article tells a beautiful story of four South Africans from inland places who see the Indian Ocean for the very first time. For many, the sea is just a picture, far away and hard to reach. But when these brave people finally touch the salty water, it changes them deeply. They feel the ocean’s power, taste its salt, and understand that this huge, blue world is now a part of their own story, breaking down old ideas about who can connect with the sea.

A Teenager in a White Coat: How One Student Shattered South Africa’s Medical Age Record

{“summary”: “Imagine a whiz kid, David Obagbuwa, who started high school at 11 and became a doctor at just 21! He shattered South Africa’s medical age record, proving that a sharp mind and hard work can achieve amazing things. From classrooms in KwaZuluNatal to intense medical studies, David tackled every challenge. Even during lockdown, he quickly mastered his courses. Now, he’s ready to help people, showing that big dreams can come true, no matter how young you are.”}

Martian Dust, Carbon ankles & a R4-million Promise: Inside the 2026 Cape Epic’s Mobility Rebellion

Get ready for the 2026 Cape Epic, but this isn’t just any bike race! Three special teams, using amazing robotic legs and carbon ankles, will tackle the tough trails. They’re racing to raise R4 million to buy 200 new prosthetic limbs, 150 wheelchairs, and 50 sports blades for people in South Africa who need them. Every pedal stroke helps someone gain freedom and move again, showing that movement is for everyone, not just a few. This epic journey turns sweat into hope, changing lives one kilometer at a time.

Cape Town’s Shadow State: How Extortion Became the New Township Taxman

Cape Town has a big problem: bad guys are shaking down businesses and projects for money. They act like “taxmen” in townships, making building costs shoot up and forcing small shops to close. These criminals cause fear, stop important work, and even kill people who get in their way. It’s like a shadow government taking over, making life hard for everyone and costing the city tons of money. People are scared, and it’s unclear how this dangerous situation will ever truly end.