The grandparents of missing Limpopo toddler Omphile Sethole have appeared in court as police continue searching for the two-year-old who disappeared earlier this month.
Nkgalakana Vinolia Maboela, 52, and Lesiba Jacob Ledwaba, 55, made a brief appearance at the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to alleged child negligence. Their court appearance comes more than two weeks after Omphile vanished from her home in Ga-Mabuela village near Mokopane, sparking concern and widespread community support for efforts to find her.
Omphile disappeared during the early hours of 2 May 2026 while sleeping at her grandparents’ home under the Tinmyne policing area. According to police reports, the child’s grandmother reportedly woke up at around 6am and discovered that the toddler was missing. An open window in the room where Omphile had been sleeping raised immediate alarm, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
Police initially opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping after the disappearance was reported. Family members and residents quickly joined the search, hoping to find the child safely. Despite extensive search operations and ongoing investigations, Omphile remains missing.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was reportedly wearing a pink jersey and black tights. Her case has drawn national attention, with communities rallying behind the family and calling for justice and answers. Prayer gatherings and community-led searches have also taken place as concern over her whereabouts grows.
The grandparents were arrested on Friday, 15 May, by members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Authorities confirmed that the specialised unit has now taken charge of the investigation as efforts intensify to uncover exactly what happened to the toddler.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the investigation remains active and that officers are pursuing all possible leads connected to Omphile’s disappearance. Police have also warned members of the public against spreading unverified information or rumours that could interfere with the case or cause additional distress to the family.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrests, saying experienced investigators are working around the clock to trace the missing child and establish the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. She stressed that authorities remain committed to ensuring accountability and finding those responsible.
Police continue to appeal to the public for credible information that may assist in locating Omphile. Anyone with information regarding the child’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact police or use official crime reporting channels anonymously. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on finding the missing toddler and bringing clarity to a case that has shaken the Limpopo community.
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