A young mother and her four-year-old son from Hendrina in Mpumalanga have disappeared and their vehicle was found outside the Kwazamokuhle township yesterday.

A desperate appeal has been made to the public to assist in the search of Luschka and Daniel Taljaard after they went missing from their home at about 09:00 yesterday morning.

Coetzee Taljaard, Luschka’s husband, confirmed this evening that their disappearances have been reported at the SAPS and the VW Polo they were travelling in was found abandoned at Kwazamokuhle’s entrance.

According to information from a source involved in the search, the car was found locked with Taljaard’s personal belongings still inside.

Members of the community searched Hendrina and surrounds last night.

Taljaard said that an astounding turn-up of community members was noted at the search party, which was launched on the Arnot road last night at 21:00, continuing until this morning.

Martiens Neethling, a Hendrina farmer who coordinated last night’s search, wished to thank everyone who is actively partaking in the search.

“There are people who came from as far as Johannesburg to assist in the search.”

He also commended security companies for assisting and making their finances and resources available to help find the mother and son.

Neethling explained that the search party is now being spearheaded by the Hendrina SAPS, and that anyone who wishes to participate can join them on the Arnot road today.

“Lastly, we wish to strongly urge the public to respect the family during this difficult time. A lot of misinformation and rumours are being passed around and we remind everyone to handle the situation in an honourable way, and respect.”

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation, can contact the Investigating Officer at 082 303 9899/082 517 5558, private investigator Anthony Boucher from SA Investigations and Security on 071 290 7423 or Coetzee Taljaard on 079 713 4637.