The Mpumalanga SAPS’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is offering a cash reward of R20 000 for information relating to the whereabouts of the six-year-old Junior Mabandla, who went missing on June 3.
On Friday June 21, the Mpumalanga SAPS issued a statement asking anyone with information to make contact. A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said according to the information they have, Junior was last seen leaving his parental home at about 15:00 on Monday June 3, when he reportedly went to buy some sweets from a nearby spaza shop.
“He was last seen wearing a blue jersey and black trousers. Some community members and the police searched the area, but with no success,” he said.
Junior’s mother, Thabisile Thwala, said they only want their son to return home to them, and they won’t give up on him. “I am hopeful that he will come back to us alive, and I look forward to seeing him again. We have not stopped searching and we won’t stop until he is found.”
Thwala said she wants her son to know that she loves him.
She said the community and the police are still assisting with the search.
In a previous interview, she told the newspaper she is willing to give anything to have her son back. His father, Solly Mabandla, shared the same sentiments.
Mdhluli said anyone with information that leads to the location of Junior is urged to contact Warrant Officer
Vusumuzi Makamo on 060 774 9660 or 082 433 7210. Anonymous tip-offs can also be reported via the My SAPS app or to the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111.
By the time of going to press, Junior had still not been found.
