BLOEMFONTEIN – Police confirmed that 13-year-old Karabo Tsupane has returned home safely to Bergman Square settlement after disappearing under unexplained circumstances a week ago. The teenager resurfaced unharmed following an extensive search that included an investigation by the Police’s Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police, said Karabo’s family reported her missing after she was last seen on 11 April at approximately 17:00, accompanied by a 10-year-old relative.

According to the police report, Karabo and her young relative spent the night at a residence in Phase 9. On the morning of 12 April, Karabo reportedly walked the child back to a street corner near their home in Bergman Square, telling the relative she was returning to a friend’s house and would be back by 11:00. She did not return to her home and her whereabouts were unknown.

Police conducted follow-up investigations at the house where the children allegedly stayed and carried out thorough searches throughout Phase 9, Phase 10, and Bergman Square. Karabo reportedly returned safely to her home.