A Pretoria teenager who had been missing since Thursday has been found unharmed, much to the relief of her parents. Zante van Vollenstee (13) had left home without contact or sightings, prompting her parents to make a desperate plea for help in finding her.

Authorities had been urging anyone with information to come forward as they worked to locate the teenager. According to the Crime Survival Foundation, Zante was last seen at her home in Pretoria North on Thursday, wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, white takkies, and a cream-colored jacket with a puff hoody.

“Zante and her two brothers, aged 11 and 8, were home with their grandparents on Thursday. She told them she was going to sleep over at someone’s place for the weekend and that her parents were aware of this,” the foundation stated.

Zante left with an adult man and a young boy, and her parents began searching for her as soon as they returned home from work. The Crime Survival Foundation confirmed that this was the first time Zante had ever done something like this.

While Zante’s safe return has brought relief, her mother, René has urged the public to refrain from spreading fake news.

This comes after posts on social media went viral, claiming Zante had gone missing on Saturday afternoon, which was incorrect.

Thankfully, Zante has been found safe, and her family is now focused on moving forward.

“Zante was found safe and unharmed. Her reaction was one of surprise because she didn’t think we would find her. A thousand thanks to every single person for their prayers, messages, calls, shares, love, and care. We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.”

Also read: Have you seen this missing Pretoria teenager?

What should you do when you have a missing loved one? 

When a person goes missing, it is of the utmost importance for the SAPS to fulfill our mandate to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa. It is essential to take steps and start the investigation into a missing person’s case immediately. You can assist the SAPS when reporting a missing person by following these steps:

Report a missing person at your nearest police station immediately.

• Produce a recent photograph of the missing person, if possible.
• Give a complete description of the missing person’s last whereabouts, clothes that they were wearing, as well as any information that can assist the investigating officer.
• Complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form. This form safeguards the SAPS from hoax reports and indemnifies the SAPS to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person.
• Obtain the investigating officer’s contact details, and send any additional information that might become available.
• If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, inform the investigating officer immediately. A SAPS 92 form must be completed to inform the Bureau of Missing Persons that the missing person’s report can be removed from the circulation system.