SEDIBENG.- The Zamdela police are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating 11-year-old Merica Asango Sitoyile, who went missing on Wednesday, July 8.

It is alleged that Merica was last seen at her home in Mooidraai, Zamdela, at approximately 09:00 on Wednesday morning.

She reportedly asked her mother to open the gate so she could play outside. Her mother handed her the keys to unlock the gate, and Merica went outside to play.

Police said that because Merica would occasionally spend the night at a neighbour’s house, the family retired for the evening without immediate concern when she did not return.

“However, on Thursday morning, July 9, her mother visited the neighbours to look for her, only to discover that she was not there. Subsequent efforts by the family to search the neighbourhood and make enquiries with community members have yielded no results. Merica has not returned home since.”

Police said that the 11-year-old Grade 5 pupil is dark in complexion, she has short natural hair and was last seen wearing a black and olive-green jersey, black and pink trousers, and pink peep-toe shoes.

“The SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have seen Merica or who has information regarding her current whereabouts to contact Detective Constable Nomathemba Mokhele of the Zamdela Family Violence, #ChildProtection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit directly on 079 165 5545, call the SAPS #CrimeStop number on 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the #MySAPSApp.”