Boy vanishes after leaving home in school uniform
Authorities in the Western Cape are urgently appealing for public assistance in locating a 13-year-old boy who has been missing for several weeks after disappearing from his Khayelitsha home.
Ovayo Mamfengu was last seen departing his residence in Kuyasa, Harare, Khayelitsha on 5 February 2025. The teenager reportedly told family members he was heading to the local library but never returned.
"According to reports he went to the library but never returned home."
The Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit has taken charge of the investigation and is calling on community members and the broader public to come forward with any information that could help bring the boy home safely.
Distinctive clothing may aid identification
At the time of his disappearance, Mamfengu was dressed in his school uniform, which consisted of grey trousers, a gold shirt, a maroon jersey and a maroon and gold tracksuit top. Investigators are hopeful that the distinctive clothing could help members of the public identify the missing teenager.
The prolonged absence of the young boy has raised serious concern among law enforcement officials and the local community alike. Police have urged anyone who may have spotted Mamfengu or has knowledge of his whereabouts to contact their nearest police station immediately.
Authorities have stressed that no piece of information is too small and that even minor details could prove crucial in reuniting the teenager with his family. The case remains under active investigation as the search continues.
The disappearance of a 13-year-old from Khayelitsha highlights the ongoing safety concerns facing children in South Africa's township communities, where missing persons cases often strain already stretched law enforcement resources. For families and residents, the prolonged search underscores the critical need for stronger community safety networks and faster response systems. Whether Mamfengu is found safely could influence renewed calls for improved child protection measures and increased policing in vulnerable areas across the Western Cape.
