Police in Delmas, Mpumalanga, have launched an investigation after the body of seven-year-old Thandolwethu Mahlangu was found buried under rubble in Delpark Extension 2 on Wednesday morning.
According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the child was reported missing on Tuesday by her mother, Ayanda Ngwenyama.
“The mother told police that her daughter had gone to her father’s house on Monday evening, 10 November 2025, and never returned home.”
The following morning, Ngwenyama received a text message from an unknown number demanding R30 000, allegedly owed by the girl’s father, for the child’s safe return.
“The victims were women, and that is bad news,” Ndubane noted in reference to earlier comments by community policing forums, adding that a ransom demand had preceded the discovery.
The police have opened a missing-person inquiry, and investigations are ongoing to trace the cellphone number used by the kidnappers — believed to connect to the Botleng area. Community members joined the search through the night but were unable to locate Thandolwethu in time.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Ndubane said that “people have lost their sense of humanity”, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of children in such matters.
No suspects have yet been publicly named or arrested, and the motive beyond the ransom demand remains under investigation. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as the search continues for those responsible in this cruel act.
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
First published on African Insider
Also see: 20-year-old woman arrested for murder of 3-month-old baby
