VANDERBIJLPARK – For two days, the Maseko family and the entire Vaal community have been plunged into uncertainty, fear and anguish following the disappearance of a Hoërskool Suiderlig pupil.
But on June 4, the endured suffering turned into happiness when Nontsikelelo Maseko was safely reunited with her family.
The 18-year-old Grade 12 learner disappeared on Monday, June 1, after reportedly leaving home to write exams at school.
When she failed to return home that afternoon, her family became alarmed and immediately launched a search.
While her whereabouts were unknown, the family told the police the cellphone was off the grid; however, the last location indicated a location in Johannesburg.
Sebokeng police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, confirmed the news of the reunion to Ster.
In her statement, Mokhachane said a breakthrough came on Thursday when police established a Venue Operational Centre (VOC) under the leadership of Sebokeng Detective Branch Commander Colonel Chrizelda Pienaar.
According to Mokhachane, a WhatsApp message was sent from Nontsikelelo’s cellphone to her father’s phone, indicating that she was safe and was being assisted by a woman at a police station in Johannesburg.
Shortly afterwards, the cellphone was switched off again.
Moments later, her father received a call from an unknown number.
On the line was Nontsikelelo, who said she had borrowed a stranger’s cellphone. The caller informed the family that she was in the Bertrams area of Johannesburg and would be left at a nearby shop to charge her cellphone.
A large-scale search operation was immediately activated, involving members from the Johannesburg K9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, and detectives from Sebokeng.
While officers searched the Bertrams area, Nontsikelelo’s mother received another call from a woman who said she had found the teenager in Marshall Street and was taking her to Jeppe Police Station after her cellphone had allegedly been stolen.
Police rushed to Jeppe SAPS, where they found Nontsikelelo safe inside the Victim Friendly Facility. She had no visible injuries and was still wearing her school uniform.
“Nontsikelelo was interviewed and taken to the Hospital for Medical Examination,” she said.
Sebokeng SAPS Station Commander Brigadier Thembekile Kubone commended the members for their dedication and commitment in the search.
Father to Ntsiki, Mandla Maseko, said, “I am so humbled by the support I got. I have no words to express what the people of Vaal have done for me, my family, and my daughter. The community of Vaal at large, thank you for your support and love you have shown us.”
