POLOKWANE - The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has assembled a dedicated team of investigators attached to the Provincial Office to assist in probing the disappearance of a 7-year-old boy, Washu Tshihume who went missing from Lamvi village under Makuya policing area in the Vhembe District a day before Christmas, Saturday 24 December 2022.
Police have been working around the clock to find the little boy who reportedly disappeared while playing with friends near his home. The case is now being handed by the Provincial Investigation Unit.
Visiting the area today to engage with the community and family members, the Provincial Commissioner, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala and the District Commissioner of the Vhembe District Major General Eddie Van der Walt, appealed to the residents to desist from taking the law into their own hands and allow the police space to investigate the matter thoroughly.
"I know this is a very difficult situation for everyone especially the parents but I promise that police will leave no stone unturned to find the child and what really transpired. We therefore call on community members in this area to assist the Police in searching for the child," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
"When I arrived here this morning, I was told that a house was torched last night. Nothing can justify anyone to take the law into their own hands as this behaviour is a criminal act and the Police will be obliged to act against the culprits. I urge everyone to desist from engaging in any form of criminality as this will not help to find the child." Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information may contact the investigating officers Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 071 601 5174 or Sergeant Thulani Baloyi on 072 228 2680. Alternatively, they may call the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.
Source: South African Police Service