Search for toddler abducted while sleeping at home in Limpopo

Police in Limpopo have opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping following the disappearance of a 2-year-old girl from her home in Ga-Mabuela village in the early hours of Saturday, 02 May 2026.

It is alleged that at approximately 02:00, the child’s 52-year-old grandmother woke up to go to the bathroom and took her granddaughter, Omphile Sethole, with her before returning to bed.

When the grandmother woke again at around 06:00, the child was missing and a window in the room was found open.

ALSO READ: Traffic officer brutally attacked by driver on N1 Limpopo

Family members and neighbours immediately searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the child.

The matter was reported to the police, who have since launched a large-scale search operation for the missing toddler and an unknown suspect.

At the time of her disappearance, Omphile Sethole was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.

ALSO READ: Search for Woman [37] in vehicle finance fraud case

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has made an urgent appeal to the public to assist in locating the child and ensuring her safe return.

“As the police, we view crimes against children in the most serious light. All available resources have been mobilised to assist with the investigation and the search for the young girl,” she said.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Omphile Sethole or the suspect is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Moshe Mashaba, on 082 319 9448, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, visit the nearest police station, or use the MySAPS App.