3 months on, missing Palm Ridge baby still not found
MISA is appealing for information on seven-month-old Tankiso Semoisi, whose whereabouts remain unknown as his mother’s child neglect case continues in court.
Nearly three months after seven-month-old Tankiso Semoisi went missing, his whereabouts remain unknown, with no confirmed information leading to his recovery.
Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) NPC remains deeply concerned about the child’s safety and the lack of answers surrounding his disappearance.
Tankiso was last seen leaving his home in Palm Ridge, Katlehong, with his mother (date unknown), and she returned on July 11 without him.
His mother, Reitumetse Mthabeleng Semoisi (32), was subsequently arrested and is facing a charge of child neglect.
She appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 26. The court postponed the matter to November 25 for further investigation.
Search for answers
MISA head of communications Priya Ranchod visited the court on October 26, accompanied by the investigating officer, to speak directly with the mother and obtain information that could help locate her son.
However, the attempt to establish the child’s whereabouts did not produce the information needed to advance the search.
Reitumetse reportedly maintained that she had handed Tankiso over to his father and paternal aunt. She further claimed that the baby was in Ladysmith but could not provide a specific address or location where he could be found.
Tracing the father
MISA is also concerned that the contact number reportedly associated with the child’s alleged father could not be reached, adding to the difficulties in verifying the information provided and tracing the baby.
According to an earlier appeal issued by Eden Park SAPS, Reitumetse allegedly left her home in Palm Ridge, Katlehong, with Tankiso without informing her family of her destination.
She reportedly returned on July 11 without the child and allegedly failed to provide a clear explanation of his whereabouts.
MISA stresses that the immediate priority is to locate Tankiso and establish that he is safe.
The organisation urges anyone who may have seen the child, knows who he may be staying with or has information about his movements since July to contact the investigating officer.
Any information, no matter how insignificant it may appear, could prove crucial to the investigation.
Anyone with information that could help locate Tankiso is urged to contact Sergeant NC Mdladlamba of the investigating team at Katlehong FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit) on 071 675 7294.
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
As the search continues, MISA appeals to the public to keep Tankiso’s case in the spotlight.
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