THE family of a Zimbabwean teenager, Tadiwanashe Derera (13), is urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating their son, who has been missing for a week. Tadiwanashe, hailing from Montclair, was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket, black pants adorned with red stripes and black slops.

Also read: Steps to follow when reporting a missing person

Ruth Chitimbe, the family’s spokesperson, said, “His mother is overwhelmed with anguish. Despite exhaustive searches, Tadiwanashe remains missing. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward. He is the oldest of three siblings.”

It is alleged that Tadiwanashe disappeared after being dispatched to the local shop by neighbours in his complex on Roland Champman Drive in Montclair on March 12.

Having only arrived in South Africa from Zimbabwe a month prior, his absence compounds the family’s anxiety.

Citing data from the Missing Children South Africa website reveals a troubling reality where children vanish daily, with an alarming frequency of one disappearance every five hours within South Africa. Although the organisation’s statistics show a 77% success rate in locating missing children, a distressing 23% remain unaccounted for, falling victim to trafficking or tragically discovered deceased.

Individuals possessing any relevant information are urged to contact Bertha Marecha on 067 792 9077, Moreblessing on 068 273 8368, Gladstone on 064 258 2208, or the nearest police station.

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