Mom of missing boy (10) pleads for his safe return: ‘It’s pouring rain, he is not warmly dressed’
"He did not let anyone know that he was leaving."
The family of a 10-year-old Centurion learner is desperately searching for him after he went missing on November 6.
His mother, Lesego Chauke, said Omphile went missing from outside his home in a Randjesfontein estate around 16:30.
Omphile is a learner at Trinityhouse Heritage Hill School in Centurion.
According to Chauke, Omphile was on his way to the Corporate Park SPAR on Sunday afternoon.
“We were at home at the time and Omphile was playing outside when he decided to go out to the shops.
“He left home that afternoon and did not let anyone know that he was leaving.”
She said according to estate footage, Omphile left home around 16:30; however, the family said that he was not home at 17:00.
Chauke said she believed Omphile was playing outside like always.
She said she called estate security and police over his disappearance.
“We found out from the estate security that he left for the shops, but he never returned according to the footage.
“The estate gate is about a kilometre from our house and the SPAR is just outside the gate.”
She said the family was extremely worried over Omphile’s disappearance as search attempts have been fruitless.
“We are not coping well as we had to spend a second evening without him.
“When he disappeared on Sunday, it was a warm day. He was wearing a small short-sleeved shirt and shorts. It has been cold and rainy since his disappearance and he must be cold and hungry.”
Chauke said police also searched around the R101 construction area, filled with ditches to check if he had not fallen or been injured or stuck in the area.
“We also searched the ditches and the community is rallying around us.”
Omphile is said to be wearing multicoloured swimming shorts, a royal blue shirt and no shoes.
Trinityhouse Heritage Hill has since the minor’s disappearance wished him a safe return.
“We stand together in prayer for him.”
Midrand police spokesperson Constable Eliot Mabulane confirmed that police are searching for Omphile.
“We are appealing to the community to help in locating him,” he said.
“Should you see him, please hand him over to the nearest police station or inform the police at 08600 10111/ 011 347 1600/02/03/33 or you can contact 082 455 2467.”
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