Ga-Mabuela toddler case: grandparents granted bail
Community members are still seeking answers as authorities intensify efforts to locate the missing toddler.
MOKOPANE – The grandparents of missing two-year-old Omphile Sethole, who are facing charges related to her disappearance, were granted bail of R1 000 each when they appeared in the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on May 27.
Nkgalakana Vinolia Maboela (52) and Lesibana Jacob Ledwaba (55) face charges of child negligence. Omphile has been missing since early May from her home in Ga-Mabuela village.
Strict bail conditions imposed
The court granted bail after the State indicated it would not oppose their release, stating that the accused are not considered a flight risk, do not pose a threat to the community and are likely to comply with court processes.
As part of their bail conditions, the pair may not interfere with the investigation or tamper with evidence. They have also been ordered to relocate to separate alternative addresses.
The court further directed that they consult the investigating officer before retrieving any belongings from their original residence, which remains an active crime scene. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in their bail being revoked.
READ MORE: Grandparents of missing Limpopo toddler arrested for negligence
Case postponed for further investigation
Magistrate Maureen Ngobeni postponed the matter to June 29 to allow for the collection of outstanding documents.
Community activist and chairperson of Mogalakwena Concerned and Affected Communities, Motlatso Selomo, said the community is desperate for answers. “We don’t know what the truth may be, but we want to see Omphile found. That’s all we want,” Selomo said.
Search for Omphile continues
According to police, Omphile disappeared during the early hours of May 2. Her grandmother reportedly discovered she was missing at about 6:00 and found a window in the room open. At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
Police have confirmed that the search for the toddler has been intensified and remains ongoing. Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are urged to come forward.
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