A trip to visit an ailing relative in Nkangala ended safely when a stranded Pretoria boy was reunited with his family in eMalahleni.

Sibusiso Thwala was travelling from Pretoria with his grandmother and another relative to visit an ailing family member in Nkangala when he was accidentally left behind during a bathroom break.

According to Vosman police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vusi Mnisi, the incident occurred around 17:00 yesterday, when the family’s taxi stopped at the Bronkhorstspruit taxi rank.

Sibusiso stepped out briefly to use the restroom, but returned to find the taxi had departed without him.

“Disoriented and without phone numbers for his relatives, Sibusiso was noticed by an observant motorist,” said Mnisi.

“Acting as a Good Samaritan, the driver stopped to assist him and safely transported him directly to the Vosman Police Station, where officers cared for him while initiating a search for his family.”

Motorist steps in to help

Following an appeal from the police and community members, a relative arrived at the station to collect the young boy.

“After police verified the relative’s identity and confirmed authorisation with Sibusiso’s father, the young boy was handed over to be reunited with his family,” said Mnisi.

Mnisi expressed gratitude to the community and extended special thanks to the Good Samaritan whose compassionate intervention ensured Sibusiso was returned to his family.