Sphamandla Thwala, who was reported missing after reportedly boarding a taxi to Ermelo from Nhlazatshe. Police are appealing for assistance in locating him. Photo: SAPS Mpumalanga.
Police in Elukwatini are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Sphamandla Thwala, who has not been heard from since reportedly boarding a taxi to Ermelo.
According to a SAPS statement issued on 6 November 2026, Thwala was travelling from Nhlazatshe to Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal to fetch a relative ahead of a family uMembeso ceremony.
His female friend reportedly dropped him off at the Nhlazatshe Number 4 hiking spot, where he boarded a taxi bound for Ermelo.
Since then, his cellphone has been unreachable, and his family in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that he never arrived at his destination.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen Thwala, particularly along the route to Ermelo, or who has information about his whereabouts to contact:
- Elukwatini SAPS Detective Standby: 082 798 0396
- Elukwatini SAPS: 082 923 1013
- Elukwatini SAPS Communication Officer: 079 891 5048
- Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Information can also be shared anonymously through the MySAPS app.