The bodies of three children that were allegedly kidnapped found floating in river

The bodies of three young children from Limpopo that went missing more than a week ago were found floating in the Mohlabetse River on Tuesday, 7 September. The police said the children left home for school and never returned and they have reason to believe the deceased were kidnapped.

KIDNAPPING CASE OPENED WITH POLICE

The three children include a pair of siblings, Nonjabulo Ngomane, 9, her brother Themba, 8, and their teenage neighbour Katlego Sibande, 15, according to a South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.

The children reportedly left their home, in the Phooko Village, for school on Monday morning, 30 August, and never returned.

“Missing persons file was initially opened at Dennilton police station and the police immediately commenced with search operation, assisted by community members,” said Mojapelo.

The police’s initial investigations found that the children may have been kidnapped as they were allegedly seen entering a white Toyota Avanza. Therefore, a case of kidnapping was opened.

BODIES OF CHILDREN FOUND

A herder walking along the banks of the Mohlabetse River allegedly found the children’s bodies floating in the stagnant water on Tuesday, 7 September, according to Mojapelo.

When the police arrived at the scene, they found that the three children were still wearing their school uniforms. Members of the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit fetched the bodies from the water and they were later identified by the two families.

“The post mortem will be conducted to determine how they died,” said Mojapelo. “Police have opened an inquest docket and investigations are continuing.”

Members of the public with information that may assist the investigation are encouraged to contact Captain Elias Mashegoane on 073-391-1978 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600-10111.