Police in Limpopo have intensified efforts to locate a missing two-year-old girl, Omphile Sethole, who was allegedly kidnapped from her home in Ga-Mabuela village in the early hours of Saturday, 2 May 2026. The incident has left the local community shaken, as authorities race against time to find the toddler and apprehend the suspect responsible.
According to initial reports, the child was under the care of her 52-year-old grandmother at the time of the incident. The grandmother reportedly woke up at around 02:00 during the night to use the bathroom and took Omphile with her. After returning to bed together, everything appeared normal until the early morning hours.
However, when the grandmother woke again at approximately 06:00, she discovered that Omphile was no longer in the room. Adding to the alarm, a window in the house was found open, raising suspicions that an intruder may have entered the home and taken the child while the family was asleep.
The family immediately began searching for the toddler, calling on neighbours to assist in combing the surrounding area. Despite their urgent efforts, no trace of Omphile was found, leading them to contact the police without delay.
Authorities have since opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping, and a full-scale investigation is now underway. Police officers, along with search teams, are actively following leads and conducting searches in and around the area in hopes of locating the child as quickly as possible.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights. Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could assist in the investigation.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe confirmed that all available resources have been mobilised to support the search operation. She emphasized the seriousness of the case and reassured the community that law enforcement is doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the child.
“This is a deeply concerning incident, and we are treating it with the utmost urgency. Our teams are working around the clock to locate the child and bring those responsible to justice,” Hadebe said.
Community members have also been encouraged to cooperate with authorities and avoid spreading unverified information, which could hinder the investigation. Police believe that public assistance could play a crucial role in finding Omphile and ensuring her safe return.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Omphile Sethole or any details that may lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged to contact Sergeant Moshe Mashaba on 082 319 9448. Alternatively, tips can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, at the nearest police station, or through the MySAPS App.
As the search continues, the family and community remain hopeful that Omphile will be found safe and reunited with her loved ones soon.
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