Authorities in the North West province are urging community members to remain vigilant as they search for Maletlhogonolo Hlongwane, a five-year-old girl who disappeared over the weekend.
According to Colonel Adéle Myburgh, provincial police spokesperson, Maletlhogonolo went missing on Sunday, April 28, from her home in Ventersdorp. At the time, she was left alone with her three-year-old sibling while their parent reportedly visited a local tavern.
Myburgh stated, “When the parent returned home, Maletlhogonolo was nowhere to be found. A case of child neglect is also under investigation against the parent.” Despite intensive search efforts in the Goedgevonden area, there have been no breakthroughs in locating the missing child.
Maletlhogonolo was last seen wearing a red tracksuit top, peach trousers, and no shoes. She has a dark complexion.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding Maletlhogonolo’s whereabouts to contact Sergeant Cecilia Batantse or Captain Willem Smit at 060 967 3966 or 082 772 6453, or call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App.
Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, authorities continue their search for six-year-old Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay, who has been missing since February 19.