A non-profit organisation that advocates against women and child abuse is offering a R30,000 reward to anyone who may have information on Snethemba Ngcece (8) of Mtwalume who has been missing since last Thursday (September 14).
The founder of Women of Mtwalume, Nombuso Sibisi said the child’s family has been going through a difficult time since her disappearance.
“We knocked on every businessman and businesswoman’s door for donations towards the R30 000 reward being offered. The business community of Mtwalume has helped donate as they are hopeful that the child may still be alive. No one has contacted us or the family but we are still praying that someone does, “Sibisi added.
Sphe Sibiya, the little girl’s father said his family appreciates the efforts being made by the Mtwalume community, to help them find his daughter.
“This does not only keep us hoping that she might still be alive, but it also shows the support we are getting from our community. We do believe that there is someone who might have seen what happened on the day and is scared to talk. We hope that when they see that money being offered, they will come forward so that we can find our child,” Sibiya added.
According to Snethemba’s grandmother, Nomathamsanqa Sibiya, the Grade 3 learner was last seen leaving Makhoso Primary in Mtwalume at about 12:30.
“My granddaughter was seen by other learners crossing the road to buy chips at a tuckshop. She was also seen talking to occupants of a red VW Polo parked outside the school gates, however they are unsure whether she got into the vehicle or not,” said Sibiya.
The elderly grandmother said Snethemba usually came home with her little brother who is in Grade R at the same school. “We are worried, we have searched the community and visited some of our relatives’ homes, no one knows where she is,” said Sibiya.
Ugu Saps spokesperson Captain Petros Mpinge confirmed that a missing person’s report has been opened at Hibberedene police station.
“The Saps K9 Unit, Saps Hibberdene and the community are continuing to search the area, and the Port Shepstone Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is now investigating the case further,” he added.
Snethemba’s father, Sphe Sibiya said the pain he feels is beyond comprehension. “We are confused and we don’t know what more to do. We have searched everywhere. The child has been living with us after her mother, Nobuhle Ngcece got a job in Durban. She asked us to take care of her, also her school is close to our home. Nobuhle and I are on good terms and there were no issues before she went missing.”
He added that the support the family has received from the police, educators and the community has been amazing.
Anyone who may have information on Snethemba is urged to contact Nombuso Sibisi on 064 0844229.
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