Police, search-and-rescue teams, security companies and community members are involved in the search for three-year-old Lethukuthula Celimpilo Mzimela, who went missing on October 10.

The child went missing from near the Sibongile hostel complex, prompting a search-and-rescue operation involving police from several stations, the Glencoe canine unit, search-and-rescue personnel, security companies, the community and an Endumeni Municipality drone specialist.

According to information from the operation, the search is being conducted in and around the Dlamini Village settlement. The surrounding area is now an informal dumping area, strewn with domestic and industrial rubble.

Police members from the district office and Dundee, Glencoe, Helpmekaar, Nhlanhleni, Wasbank, Nondweni and Nquthu police stations are involved, alongside the Glencoe K9 unit and the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue team.

External role-players include security companies, community members and an Endumeni Municipality drone specialist.

Public assistance sought

As previously reported, Lethukuthula was last seen playing with siblings at the Sibongile hostel family units.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Siyabonga Nkwanyana said the child was wearing a black T-shirt and blue trousers at the time of the disappearance.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the child or has information that could help investigators to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Nolwandle Buthelezi on 079 696 3520 or Dundee police station on 034 299 9700.

The search continues as police and other role-players work to establish the child’s whereabouts.