After nearly four months of uncertainty, the Rakgowa family from Delmore informal settlement is finally reunited with their daughter, Sharlein Rakgowa (25), who went missing on March 2.
She returned home on June 17.
According to her mother, Olga Rakgowa, Sharlein went missing after briefly stopping at a local store to buy vegetables for supper while they were walking home from church. That was the last time she was seen until her unexpected return months later.
“She came back at around 16:00 on June 17. She looked a bit shaky. We were shocked and happy. Despite our questioning, she only mumbled and offered little information. She seems disturbed, and this is concerning us.”
The family reported her return to the Reiger Park Police Station the next day and officers questioned Sharlein. They noted her fragile emotional state and advised the family to seek help from a social worker.
Olga said the family is grateful Sharlein does not appear to have visible physical injuries.
“People go missing and never come back. We are among the lucky few. Now we want to support and help her get the assistance she needs.
She thanked the family, community, friends, and police for their support.
What to do when someone goes missing
Constable Johannes Msimanga, spokesperson for Reiger Park SAPS, urges families to act quickly and not delay when someone goes missing.
“Time is crucial. The faster we know, the sooner we can mobilise resources to find them,” he said.
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Msimanga shared these essential steps for the public to follow:
1. Report immediately
“You don’t need to wait 24 hours. If someone goes missing and it is out of character, report it right away,” said Msimanga.
Visit your nearest police station with:
A recent photo, the person’s full name and ID number (if known), last known whereabouts, description of their clothing, and medical conditions or habits.
2. Insist on a missing person case
“The police are legally required to open a missing person case immediately. Insist on a case number and keep in touch with the investigating officer.”
3. Use community support
Msimanga advised families to use every available channel: “Spread the word on social media, community groups, or local WhatsApp networks. The wider the net, the better.”
4. Visit hospitals and mortuaries
Though difficult, he said it is important to check local hospitals and mortuaries for unidentified patients or bodies.
5. Engage with NGOs
“There are organisations like Missing Children South Africa or The Pink Ladies that offer excellent support and outreach,” Msimanga added.
6. Preserve any evidence
“Don’t clean their room or delete phone records. Leave everything as it was until the police can assess if foul play is involved.”
7. Seek emotional help
Msimanga reminded families it was okay to ask for help.
“Cases like this are traumatic. Speak to a social worker or a counsellor for support. We can also help with referrals.”
As the Rakgowa family begins the process of healing and helping Sharlein recover, they hope their story encourages other families never to lose hope and to act swiftly when a loved one disappears.
To report a missing person, contact Msimanga on 071 676 0555.
Also Read: Delmore woman disappears after attending church
