'People have lost their sense of humanity': R30,000 ransom demand ends in murder of little Thando
Police in Delmas, Mpumalanga, have launched a manhunt after a seven-year-old girl was found murdered in Delpark Extension 2 on Wednesday morning.
According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the child, identified as Thandolwethu Mahlangu, 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,” said Ndubane.
Members of the community joined the search throughout the night, but they could not find the girl. Ndubane said that the following morning, Ngwenyama received a text message from an unknown number demanding R30,000, allegedly owed by the child’s father, in exchange for the child’s safety.
Police opened a missing person inquiry and tried to trace the cellphone number used by the kidnappers to the Botleng area.
“Loan sharks in the vicinity were brought in for questioning, and several addresses linked to the investigation were visited, but there was no success,” said Ndubane.
On Wednesday morning, a neighbour cleaning his yard discovered the child’s body, noticing small legs protruding from rubble behind a shack.
“All relevant authorities were immediately informed and attended the scene,” said Ndubane.
The suspects remain at large, and a murder case has been opened. Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the branch commander, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Dibakoane, at 079 268 0040, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted via the MySAPS App, and callers may remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the brutal killing and activated a 72-hour plan to track down the perpetrators.
“People have lost their sense of humanity. How can anyone kill an innocent young girl who had her whole future ahead of her? We will not rest until the suspect or suspects are behind bars,” said Mkhwanazi.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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