As investigations continue into the disappearance of German tourist Nick Frischke, the Western Cape police has confirmed that five suspects aged between 20 and 25 have made their court appearances in Wynberg, after they were found with stolen items, belonging to Frischke, in their possession.

Two of the suspects were arrested on 21 February, and the other three on 23 February.

Amongst the stolen items was a credit card in the name of Frischke and other belongings, and police have reason to believe that the suspects came into possession of the property during a robbery.

The Hout Bay Community Policing Forum says Frischke’s backpack and cellphone were also recovered from the suspects.

WC SAPS spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut says an integrated search operation for Frischke is still underway while the circumstances surrounding his disappearance are being investigated.

”At this premature stage we will refrain from speculating about possible outcomes or by disclosing information that is crucial for the investigation.”

The 22 year old tourist had gone missing on the Hangberg trail between Hout Bay and Sandy Bay, after going on a hike.

Searches had been conducted by the NSRI, a Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue squad drone team, an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rescue squad trail search and rescue team, a police K9 search and rescue team, WSAR (Wilderness Search and Rescue) members and WSAR K9 search and rescue.

The public first became aware of Frischke’s disappearance on Saturday 18 February, when the police issued a statement, requesting the public’s assistance to trace him.

According to the statement, the 22-year-old had arrived in South Africa on Monday 6 February.

Then on Tuesday 14 February, Frischke left the AirBnB in Pinelands he was staying in, at around 10:00 “and never returned”. Later reports placed him at a local store in the V&A Waterfront.

He was last spotted in Hout Bay.

Meanwhile, community members are planning a night vigil for Frischke, to be held on 1 March at 19:30.