Seeking Information on the Fate of Perumal Naiken – Disappeared from Umzimgazi Estate, Durban.

I am seeking assistance from the heritage and genealogical community to solve a century-old family mystery. My grandfather, Perumal Naiken, came to South Africa as an indentured labourer and worked for a significant period before vanishing without a trace. He left for work one morning and never returned; no body was ever found, and no records of his death were ever located by his immediate family.

My father lived his life with a sense of incompleteness due to this loss. At 77 years old, I am hoping to find closure—whether he passed away, returned to India, or started a life elsewhere.

Biographical Details:

• Name: Perumal Naiken
• Father’s Name: Gopaul Naiken
• Colonial Number: 62762
• Ship: Umzinto XII (Arrived from Madras)
• Age at Arrival: 28 years old
• Height: 163 cm
• Caste: Naiken/Naick
• Origin (India): Village: Lutchmie | Thanna: Ottipadaram | Zillah: Tinnevelley
• Last Known Employer: Saville Brothers, Umzimgazi Estate, Durban (Sugar Industry)

We are looking for any records that might exist beyond his initial indenture. Specifically:

• Return Ship Manifests: Is there any record of a "Perumal Naiken (62762)" returning to India after his contract ended?
• Hospital or Police Records: Are there archived records for the Umzimgazi Estate or Saville Brothers regarding missing persons or unidentified deaths?
• Repatriation Documents: Many laborers requested to return to India; I am curious if he appears on any "List of Returnees."

Any guidance, document leads, or historical context regarding laborers who "disappeared" from the sugar estates in Durban would be a great service to my family.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

Thols - thols2023@gmail.com