R50 000 reward for information on missing Kokstad toddler
It is alleged that a mother only opened a missing case with police days after her child was last seen in Marikana near Kokstad.
Police in KZN have offered a R50 000 reward for information that could lead to the recovery of the remains of three-year-old Banele Mshubi, who has been missing from the Marikana area in Kokstad since December 2025.
Banele was only reported missing on January 4, despite last being seen in December, reports The Witness.
According to KZN police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo, investigations led to the arrest of Banele’s 27-year-old mother for allegedly failing to report the child missing.
The mother allegedly told police that her 43-year-old boyfriend assaulted Banele over a missing USB.
#sapsKZN [R50 000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE OF MISSING 3-YEAR-OLD BANELE MSHUBI]
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 10, 2026
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have put forward a reward of R50 000 to anyone who has information about what happened to 3-year-old Banele Mshubi, who was last seen in December 2025, in… pic.twitter.com/aDt2POh7j1
She claimed the man, who is Banele’s stepfather, assaulted the child to death but said she did not know where he had buried the body.
The stepfather was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
Both suspects appeared in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court. The mother was released on bail, while the stepfather was remanded in custody as investigations continue.
Ngcobo said the stepfather is also linked to another murder case in Harding.
Despite the arrests, Banele’s body has not been recovered.
“Police are offering the R50 000 reward to any person who can provide credible information which may lead to the recovery of Banele’s remains,” said Ngcobo.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer Detective Constable Vincent on 082 334 8610 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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Read original story on witness.co.za
