The grandparents of missing two-year-old Omphile Sethole were arrested over the weekend on charges of alleged child negligence, as police intensify efforts to uncover what happened to the toddler, who has now been missing for more than two weeks.
Limpopo police confirmed that members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit arrested the child’s grandparents, aged 52 and 55, on Friday, 15 May.
The pair is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Omphile disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village, under the Tinmyne policing area, during the early hours of Saturday, 2 May 2026.
According to police, her grandmother discovered she was missing at around 6am, with a window in the room left open. Authorities initially opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping, and the investigation was later transferred to the specialised Mokopane FCS Unit as efforts to trace the toddler intensified.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
Despite the arrests, police say the child remains missing and the search for her continues.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests, saying investigators are working tirelessly to locate Omphile and uncover the full circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
“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 Hadebe.
She has also urged members of the public to avoid spreading misinformation, warning that false information could hinder the investigation.
Hadebe appealed to communities to continue sharing any credible information that could assist police in bringing Omphile home safely.
The case has sparked widespread concern, with many hoping for answers, and for Omphile’s safe return.