Bolobedu, South Africa – The community of Bolobedu is rallying to locate two teenage girls who have gone missing in separate incidents. One of the missing teens, 16-year-old Vanessa Tshegofatšo Ngobeni from Ga-Matipane, has not been seen since Sunday, August 18, 2024. Her disappearance has left her family and the community deeply concerned.
Vanessa, a Grade 11 student at Masopha High School, left her home on that Sunday and has not returned since. Her phone remains unreachable, and despite a search operation at her boyfriend’s residence, no leads have been found. The teenager’s absence from school for four days has further raised alarms about her safety.
In addition to Vanessa, another girl, 15-year-old Mapula Remember Baloyi from Ga-Mothobekhi, has also been reported missing. Mapula was last seen on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at a local tavern, and her whereabouts remain unknown. She is a Grade 9 student at Modumaane Secondary School and has not attended school for over two weeks.
The families of both girls are pleading with the community for assistance in locating their daughters. They have urged anyone with information to contact the authorities immediately.
The concern for the girls’ safety has prompted several people to share their thoughts on social media. Mosa Rahlaga expressed worry, stating, "Vannesa osaile orekisa kuku." Snymaan Kylien Saint Jr. commented, "This one called Vanessa is proud of what is currently going on, not even ashamed of what she did… next time her family will have to go to Khumbhul’ Ekhaya for her."
Other community members have expressed their hopes for the girls’ safe return. Lucia Bophelo simply said, "Safe return," while Olgar Dipuo echoed, "Safe return." Many others, like Ntombi Ramaselela, shared their wishes for the safe return of both girls, hoping they will be found soon.
As the search continues, the community remains united in their efforts to find Vanessa and Mapula, hoping for their safe return and the restoration of peace in their families.