The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has raised concern over the disappearance of two-year-old Omphile Sithole, who has been missing for more than two weeks, as police continue their search and her grandparents face charges of alleged child negligence.
Omphile disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village, Limpopo, during the early hours of 2 May 2026, prompting an intensive investigation by authorities.
According to police, the toddler’s grandmother discovered she was missing at around 6am, with a window in the room reportedly left open. Cases of housebreaking and kidnapping were initially opened before the investigation was transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Limpopo police confirmed that Omphile’s grandparents, aged 52 and 55, were arrested on 15 May on charges of alleged child negligence. The pair is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court.
Despite the arrests, Omphile remains missing.
MISA has now joined calls for urgent public assistance, appealing to communities to come forward with any credible information that could help bring the little girl home.
MISA Chief Executive Officer: Operations, Martlé Keyter, said Omphile’s disappearance is a painful reminder of the dangers facing children in South Africa.
“A child goes missing every five hours in South Africa, with an estimated 1,697 children reported missing annually. While many are reunited with their families, hundreds remain unaccounted for. We cannot allow Omphile to become another statistic,” said Keyter.
She said the case comes at a crucial time, ahead of Child Protection Week, which runs from 29 May to 5 June, and should serve as a wake-up call about the importance of safeguarding children.
“Every child deserves to grow up free from harm, neglect and violence. Protecting children is a collective responsibility, and silence or indifference cannot be tolerated,” she said.
Keyter urged government, communities and employers to act with urgency and compassion.
“As a union, we cannot stand by while children like Omphile remain vulnerable. The safety of our children is the foundation of our nation’s future. Protecting them is inseparable from protecting workers’ dignity and wellbeing.”
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said investigators are working around the clock to trace Omphile and uncover the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
“We have assembled experienced investigators from the Mokopane FCS Unit who are working tirelessly 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.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
Police are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
