Limpopo police have arrested the grandparents of missing two-year-old Omphile Sethole on charges of alleged child negligence, as the search for the toddler enters a critical phase more than two weeks after she disappeared without a trace.
Limpopo police provincial spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the arrest of the 52-year-old grandmother and 55-year-old grandfather was made on Friday, May 15, by members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, which has now taken full control of the investigation as it intensifies.
Omphile Sethole disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village under the Tinmyne policing area in the early hours of Saturday, May 2, triggering an extensive police search that has so far yielded no breakthrough.
According to Ledwaba, the child’s grandmother discovered her missing at about 6 am, after noticing that a window in the room had been left open. At the time, Omphile who was wearing a pink jersey and black tights was nowhere to be found.
Omphile’s father, Khutso Bradley Mabuela, described how the family rushed back to Limpopo after hearing about the disappearance and remains traumatised and desperate for answers.
“When we heard about this incident, we had to come back immediately. It has been very difficult to process what happened. We are traumatised and still asking ourselves what really happened that day,” he said.
Mabuela added that the family believes the disappearance may have been planned, pointing to a suspicious vehicle reportedly seen in the area the day before.
“I believe someone knows what happened… whoever did this must have known which room she was sleeping in. Nothing else was taken - even phones left in plain sight were untouched. They came specifically for my child,” he said.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrests, saying specialist investigators are working “around the clock” to trace the child and establish what happened.
“We have assembled experienced investigators from the Mokopane FCS Unit who are working around the clock to trace the missing child and establish all circumstances surrounding her disappearance. We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to book,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
She also urged members of the public to assist police with credible information, while warning against the spread of misinformation that could compromise the investigation.
Authorities said community cooperation remains critical as search operations continue across Mokopane and surrounding areas.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mokopane FCS Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo, on 082 469 2594, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips via the MySAPSApp.
The grandparents are expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 18.
Police investigations are continuing.
The Star