The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered prompt investigations into the circumstances that led to the deaths of three school children whose lifeless bodies were on Tuesday 7 September 2021, found floating in Mohlabetse River under Dennilton policing area outside Groblersdal.
The three children, siblings Nonjabulo Ngomane (9) and her younger brother Themba Ngomane (8) as well as their neighbour Katlego Sibande, a girl aged 15, left home at Phooko village on Monday morning, 30 August 2021, going to school and never returned home.
Missing persons file was initially opened at Dennilton police station and the police immediately commenced with search operation, assisted by community members.
Preliminary police investigations indicated that the three might have been kidnapped as they were allegedly seen boarding a white Toyota Avanza.
A case of kidnapping was then registered.
On Tuesday, 7 September 2021, a herdsman walking along the Mohlabetse River allegedly found the three bodies floating in the stagnant water of the said river and the police were called.
On arrival at the scene, the three children, still clad in school uniforms, were found floating in the water and were retrieved by members of the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit. The deceased were identified by the two families. The post mortem will be conducted to determine how they died.
Anyone with information is requested to contact Captain Elias Mashegoane on 073 391 1978, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police or may use MySAPS App.
Callers may opt to remain anonymous and any information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
Police have opened an inquest docket and investigations are continuing.
