Police are offering a reward of up to R50 000 for information about a child missing from Lotus River for nearly a year. The information could help secure her safe return of Anovuyo Oncke (8) who disappeared on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Anovuyo had left to play with friends in Riemvasmaak, an informal settlement in Phumlani Village, Lotus River. She never returned home.
Police renew search
The Grade 1 learner at Perivale Primary School was last seen wearing black pants and a pink pyjama top.
The Wynberg family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit is investigating. The FCS is a specialised police team that handles crimes against women and children.
Police are following up on all available leads to reunite Anovuyo with her family. Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said: “Police have exhausted all avenues in efforts to reunite the child with the family.” Police announced the reward after earlier searches failed to produce any new information.
Search efforts
The cash reward is available to anyone whose information leads to Anovuyo’s safe return.
In the days after her disappearance, community members and police searched nearby areas. They combed through an open field where Anovuyo and her friends had been playing. The search later expanded to Pelican Park, Zeekoeivlei, Jim se Bos and Egoli.
Community worker Beryl Williams, who has assisted the family, said residents lifted beds and searched cupboards. Police deployed the K9 unit to search the area.
Police have found no trace of the child. No one has seen Anovuyo since she left home that morning. The case remains under investigation.
Oncke’s parents, Samantha Oncke and Luvuyo Mantile, have pleaded for her safe return.
How to report information
. Anyone with information about Anovuyo’s whereabouts should contact the investigating officer. Call detective Sgt Julian Zeederberg on 082 334 8348. Alternatively, call Crime Stop, the police’s anonymous tip-off line, on 08600 10111.
