More than two weeks after 2-year-old Omphile Sethole disappeared, her grandparents have been arrested by the Limpopo police for alleged child negligence.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest of the grandparents.
According to a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement, members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit arrested the child’s grandparents, aged 52 and 55, on Friday, 15 May 2026, for alleged child negligence.
The statement added that the pair are expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court today, 18 May 2026. “The case was subsequently transferred to the Mokopane FCS Unit as investigations intensify.”
The statement noted that Omphile disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village under the Tinmyne policing area during the early hours of Saturday, 02 May 2026.
Police initially opened cases of housebreaking at residential premises and kidnapping after the child’s grandmother reportedly discovered her missing at about 06:00, with a window left open in the room.
It added that at the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
“Police confirm that the child is still missing, and investigations aimed at locating her remain ongoing,” read the statement.
Lieutenant General Hadebe has reiterated her call for community cooperation while warning members of the public against the spread of misinformation surrounding the matter.
“We have assembled experienced investigators from the Mokopane FCS Unit who are working around the clock to trace the missing child and establish all circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. “We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to book.”
The Provincial Commissioner further appealed to communities to continue providing credible information that may assist police in finding Omphile safe.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Omphile Sethole is urged to contact the Mokopane FCS Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo, on 082 469 2594, #CrimeStop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or share information anonymously via the #MySAPSApp.
Police investigations are continuing.
