Photo: Thandolwethu Mahlangu(7)
Police in Delmas have launched an urgent manhunt after a seven-year-old girl, Thandolwethu Mahlangu, was found murdered in Delpark Extension 2 on Wednesday morning 12 November 2025.
According to police, the child was reported missing by her mother, Ms. Ayanda Ngwenyama, on 11 November after she failed to return home the previous evening. Thandolwethu had reportedly gone to visit her father around 18:00 on 10 November, but never came back. Community members searched throughout the night with no success.
Matters took a sinister turn the next morning when Ms. Ngwenyama received a text message from an unknown number demanding R30 000, allegedly owed by the child’s father, in exchange for the girl’s safety. A missing person inquiry was immediately opened, and investigators traced the number to the Botleng area. Several loan sharks were questioned, and multiple addresses were visited, but no breakthrough was made.
At around 07:30 on Wednesday morning 12 November 2025, a neighbour made the tragic discovery while cleaning his yard, noticing small legs protruding from beneath rubble behind a shack in Delpark Extension 2. Police and emergency services were alerted, and the child was confirmed deceased at the scene.
A murder case has been opened, and the suspects remain unknown.
Photo: Area where the child's body was found.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that might assist in the investigation. Witnesses or individuals with information are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Victor Dibakoane at 079 268 0040, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App. Callers may remain anonymous.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the killing, describing it as a shocking act of cruelty. He confirmed that a 72-hour activation plan has been implemented to track down those responsible.
“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,” he said.