Limpopo police dismiss false reports about missing toddler
Police in Limpopo have warned against sharing unverified information as the search for missing two-year-old Omphile Sethole continues.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo police have dismissed social media reports claiming that missing two-year-old Omphile Sethole has been found dead, describing the information as false and misleading.
Provincial commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe confirmed that the child has not been found and that the search remains ongoing.
Omphile disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village during the early hours of Saturday, May 2.
According to police, the child’s 52-year-old grandmother discovered she was missing at about 06:00 after noticing an open window in the room.
Tinmyne police subsequently opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was reportedly wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
Police warn against misinformation
Hadebe condemned the circulation of unverified information on social media, warning that it causes additional trauma for the family and may hinder police investigations.
“The sharing of false reports on social media is not only irresponsible but also criminal. It creates panic and diverts public attention from the real facts,” said Hadebe.
She urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified claims and appealed for continued community assistance in efforts to locate the child safely.
Public urged to assist investigation
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation or help locate Omphile is urged to contact investigating officer Sgt Moshe Mashaba on 082 319 9448, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or submit information via the MySAPS app.
Police investigations are continuing.
