POLOKWANE - The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is cautioning parents and guardians to always be vigilant and alert about the whereabouts of the children at all times.

This follows after a three year-old child, Umphile Mahlobogwane reportedly went missing while visiting a family at Matabane farm in Roossenekal Policing area under Sekhukhune District on Saturday, 07 January 2023.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the child was playing with a twelve year-old boy when she saw a donkey and ran away into the bushes and disappeared because she was afraid of it. Police were alerted about the missing child and an immediate search operation commenced with the assistance of Limpopo Provincial Diving Team, Dennilton and Modimolle K9 Units at the Tubatse River which was flooded and the search had to be suspended due to safety concerns.

On Sunday, 08 January at about 19:00, the missing child was found alive at a nearby mountain by the members of the community. The police was alerted and upon their arrival, they found the child unharmed and took her to St Rita's Hospital for medical observation after which she was safely reunited with her family.

"I would like to warn everyone to be extra careful about the whereabouts of the children at all times to avoid the missing of minor children in the province which might end up negative through injuries and death. Anyone who does not comply will be arrested and charged with child neglect and will subsequently be prosecuted" concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Source: South African Police Service