POLOKONG – Katleho Hlahane (32) has thanked members of the community for tirelessly searching for her son Tshiamo Hlahane (13) who went missing on August 20.
A search party was immediately formed by the community who went to various places in search of the young boy.
On August 21, Katleho was accompanied by the police to Tshiamo’s school, and upon interviewing some of his friends, they said that he told them that he needed some fresh air.
Katleho says Tshiamo was found later that day and explained that he was in the room they use for storage the whole time.
“There is a couch in the room and he says he overslept under it. This is what my son told the police and the family. At this point, there is no reason not to believe what he is saying. I would like to ask that the community seize their negative comments and posts because this will soon turn into social media bullying.
“I want to make them aware that Tshiamo is still very young and sensitive. As his family, we believe that he will give us a more detailed explanation as to what caused his disappearance. He is currently getting counseling and has our full support.”
Katleho asked that Tshiamo be given a chance, saying that he would open up about what happened to him in time.
“I am so grateful to the community for what they did for me and my family. They really went above and beyond in ensuring that my son is found.”
Sebokeng police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane confirmed that a missing person’s case docket was launched for investigation.
“Sergeant Beleki Dlamini and Constable Neo Sedi of the Sedibeng K9 unit, together with the community members, embarked on a search for Tshiamo around the Polokong area and the outskirts, without success.
“While they searched for Tshiamo, they were informed that he was found at his mother’s place, alleging to have overslept under the couch.
“We would like to thank the community members for assisting them in the search for Tshiamo”
Mokhachane reminds the public that there is no timeframe to report a person as missing.
