Five children have been reported missing in Limpopo since the beginning of this year; however, only two have been found, while three remain missing.
These include two-year-old Omphile Sethole from Ga-Mabuela village in Mapela, Mokopane. Her grandparents have since been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
The grandmother of Omphile, who was allegedly snatched from her bed in the early hours of Saturday, May 2, was arrested alongside the child’s grandfather for alleged child negligence.
The disappearance of Omphile has shocked communities across the country. The incident happened in Ga-Mabuela village in Mapela, Mokopane, Limpopo.
It has been three weeks since Omphile disappeared, and the family continues to hold out hope for her safe return.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the grandmother reportedly woke at about 2am to use the bathroom, taking Omphile with her before returning to bed.
When she woke again at about 6am, the toddler was missing, and a window in the room was open.
Family members and neighbours immediately launched a search, but the child could not be found.
The matter was reported to Tinmyne police station, and a large-scale search operation was initiated for both the missing child and the unknown suspect.
Both grandparents appeared before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 18, 2026, for alleged child negligence. They were remanded in custody until May 25, 2026, for a formal bail application.
Police initially opened cases of housebreaking at residential premises and kidnapping after the child was discovered missing.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
“Police confirm that the child remains missing and investigations aimed at locating her are continuing,” Ledwaba said.
The disappearance of Omphile has sent shockwaves across the country, with calls for her safe return intensifying.
In response to IOL News inquiries, Ledwaba revealed that from January to May this year, a total of five missing children cases were reported.
He said police immediately activated search operations in all reported incidents, working jointly with community structures and specialised units.
Missing child cases in Limpopo from Jan to May, 2026:
Tebberius Village – Gilead policing area (Waterberg District)
The child reportedly left home with a friend to collect insects known as “mabitsi” in the bush. The friend later returned home, and the child was reported missing.
A coordinated search operation was launched involving SAPS members, the community, the Dog Unit from Mahwelereng and FCS investigators.
Ledwaba said the child was later found safe in the bushes near Galelia Village after becoming disoriented and unable to find the way home.
“The child was reunited with the mother.”
Sedawa Village – Hoedspruit policing area (Mopani District)
He said a child aged one-year and nine months went missing after reportedly playing with other children.
“The mother noticed the child had disappeared later during the day. SAPS was alerted, and search operations were activated.”
Ledwaba said the child has not been found, and investigations are ongoing.
Tinmyne policing area – Ga-Mabuela Village (Waterberg District)
A two-year-old girl, Omphile, went missing from home during the early morning hours while sleeping with her grandparents.
The matter was immediately reported to SAPS, and search operations were launched with the assistance of community members and specialised units.
He confirmed Omphile is still missing, and intensified investigations are continuing.
Matlala policing area – Chloe Village (Capricorn District)
A 14-year-old child was reported missing after leaving home. Search efforts led to the child being located in Moletjie.
Ledwaba said further investigation revealed circumstances that led to the opening of a rape case, and the docket was forwarded to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit at Seshego.
He said the child was found safe and investigations related to a sexual offence case were opened.
Mashite Village – Ga-Mphahlele (Lebowakgomo policing area, Sekhukhune District)
In another case, Ledwaba said a two-year-old boy, Mokgethwa Makgolane, was reported missing. It is reported that he was last seen playing with other children before moving towards nearby mountainous and bushy areas.
“SAPS immediately activated search operations with the assistance of community members and specialised units. The investigation and search operation remain ongoing.”
He said the child has not been found, and searches and investigations are ongoing.
He said the overall outcome of the missing children cases from January to May this year is that two children were found, while three remain missing, with active missing persons investigations continuing.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo continues to prioritise all missing children cases through rapid response deployment, investigative support from specialised units, and close collaboration with community structures,” he said.
Limpopo-based child safety organisation Lentswe Laka Foundation told IOL News it was deeply concerned about the recent missing children cases in Limpopo province.
“We are alarmed by the rising reports of missing children in Limpopo. It highlights systemic gaps in child safety and protection. We urge communities, authorities, and stakeholders to act swiftly to protect our children.
“Children in rural villages are highly vulnerable due to factors like poverty, lack of access to education, and limited resources. Trafficking and abuse are real risks, and we must prioritise child safety,” said foundation spokesperson Bridget Ramokone.
She urged communities to play a crucial role by reporting suspicious activity to authorities, establishing neighbourhood watch programmes, educating children about safety and boundaries, and supporting families and caregivers.
The organisation also called for improved collaboration between government departments, SAPS and communities.
“Increase awareness and education on child safety, strengthen support systems for vulnerable families and ensure swift response to missing children cases,” she said.
Speaking to IOL News, Childline South Africa CEO Dumisile Cele said the rising number of missing children cases is a major concern.
“Childline’s 116 helpline number is a 24/7 national tollfree helpline wherein children, young people and adults with concerns about children make contact to report such concerns.”
She said their helpline data does not show an increase in cases reported under this category.
“It is possible that such matters are reported to the police or missing persons’ organisations. However, these cases of missing children, as we hear about them on the news, are of great concern.”
Cele said when looking at cases reported in the news over previous years, demands for ransom have featured heavily.
“Family Dynamics: It also seems challenging that family dynamics or family conflict contribute to children being vulnerable and, as a result, abducted by those known to them.”
“Negligence: Looking at the recent case of Omphile, there are concerns about negligence by the grandparents who were looking after her,” she said.
Cele said while more cases concerning children in rural environments are being reported, all children are vulnerable and require heightened levels of protection.
“When looking at violence against children in South Africa, it is perpetrated by those known to the child/children. As such, child protection in our communities requires everyone to actively engage to ensure care and protection is available and exercised for all children.”
She said when families fail, communities must step in to protect children.
“We should not turn a blind eye. It must concern all of us that there are children missing/ not reunited with their families. We as a country should not be desensitized to these matters so that we continue with our daily lives as normal.”
Cele said it is important that families report a missing child immediately.
“There is no waiting period, and the police must open such a case immediately. Families are encouraged to contact their nearest Social Services for support during these difficult times. Sometimes families may not even know what to do when faced with this situation.”
“We encourage them to use resources like Childline, our number is 116 as they can speak to someone to help them figure out the next step in such stressful moments.”
Cele urged families to always know the whereabouts of their children.
“Unfortunately, our children cannot go and play with the neighbors only to come home in the afternoon. A lot can happen during that time. Unfortunately, most environments in our communities do not offer safe areas for children to play around freely.”
Supporting families is critical, Cele said.
“Families are facing significant levels of stress which impact on their ability to care for children.”
Cele said government and communities can help by ensuring the protection of children through active engagement.
She said the government departments and non-profit organisations (NGOs) must be responsive and act swiftly when matters of missing children are reported.
Cele encouraged the public to continue reporting child abuse and neglect to the authorities.
“It is our view that these violations take place in our communities, not in a void, so someone out there might have seen something untoward happening to a child. They must report it even if it is suspicious.”
“Let us use resources like ChildLine’s Number 116. It is free and available 24/7 should we witness violation of children’s rights or are concerned about the care provided to a child,” Cele added.
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Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
