Community urged to assist in search for missing six-year-old girl in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga Police in Piet Refief are seeking the public's assistance to locate six-year-old Rethabile Okuhle Vilakazi.

Vilakazi went missing on January 28, 2025.

On that day, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane stated that Vilakazi's mother went to the bus stop to collect her after school, having used scholar transport, but she was unable to find her child.

"The information received is that the bus came earlier, and the child got off the bus with other learners at that bus stop. The child went on the path to her home, but she did not reach home," said Ndubane.

"Since then, she has not been found. A search is still conducted in the area," added Ndubane.

Ndubane said the family reported her missing at Piet Retief police station on January 30.

"The police urge anyone with information that could assist in locating Rethabile to contact Warrant Officer Martin Ntshangase at 072 638 1858 or 082 922 9748. Alternatively, the community can contact Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or submit information via MYSAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous," said Ndubane.

Meanwhile, the three-year-old boy from Orange Farm in Johannesburg who was allegedly killed by his 18-year-old brother with rat poison was buried on Thursday.

IOL reported last Friday that Abraham Lebogang Tsheole was playing outside while his family, including his mother, Nthabiseng Esther Tsheole, were inside their home not realising that the 18-year-old suspect was allegedly planning to secretly poison him.

The 18-year-old male has since appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of murder.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL