KwaDukuza SAPS are in a race against time and have issued an urgent appeal to the North Coast community for assistance to help locate a disabled boy who went missing on Monday.

Five-year-old Sabelo Mcineka who cannot hear or speak was last seen at around 9am at the Safe Haven for Children and Elders in Lindelani, Stanger, wearing a red t-shirt and blue shorts.

According to police sources Mcineka wandered away from the home while his carer was bathing the other children.

The police’s search and rescue unit joined the search on Wednesday but have not been able to find the missing boy.

Lindelani residents have also joined the police in the search.

Safe Heaven for Children and Elders is a safe-house for nine orphans as well as senior citizens.

They also operate as a soup kitchen where approximately 45 orphans are fed meals every week.

Anyone with information on Mcineka’s whereabouts can contact Detective Constable Mhlongo on 076 800 7247/032 551 8206 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111.