Police urge calm after false missing alert sparks concerns in Katlehong

The Katlehong SAPS urges community members to try and resolve domestic issues before involving the police.

This follows an emergency alert issued after the family of 62-year-old Thokozile Ndlovu reported her missing on June 19.

However, within 12 hours, the police withdrew the alert after she was found at home, explaining that she had left to “cool off” following a domestic dispute with her spouse.

According to Constable Sivenkosi Mtwa, the spokesperson for the Katlehong SAPS, police were relieved that the elderly woman returned unharmed. However, the incident raised concerns among the police, the domestic security cluster, and domestic violence NGOs.

“Police resources were immediately activated after we received information that the woman was missing. Fearing the worst, especially given the troubling rise in similar cases where many reported missing are later found murdered or raped, we acted swiftly to find her,” Mtwa said.

When she finally returned home, Thokozile told her family and police, who had already issued the emergency alert, that she left to “cool” her mind after a domestic dispute with her husband.

Mtwa cautioned the public to resolve domestic issues amicably and warned that future false reports that waste police resources could lead to charges.

He advised the public to call the police or seek help from the relevant authorities if they experience domestic problems:

• Ekupholeni: 068 066 3496;

• Sontia Refugee Centre: 011 905 3211;

• The Thokoza Department of Social Development: 064 737 6867;

• Tutela: 068 484 3562;

• Alberton Child Welfare: 010 109 6121.

“GBV is real, and people should not joke about it or misuse it whenever they feel bored in their relationships. Women who need to ‘cool off’ after a domestic disagreement should at least inform friends, relatives, or visit the nearest police station to speak with the spokesperson and seek advice,” Mtwa explained.