Search and Rescue police have suspended their search for a missing 10-year-old Mdantsane girl who disappeared on Sunday morning.
Yesterday, the second search for Siphosihle Xawuka saw searchers abseil into a deep bushy ravine behind the yard of the girl’s NU8 home.
Police suspect Siphosihle was abducted during an all-night 50th birthday party for her aunt and guardian, Zoleka Ncedani.
On Monday, police questioned a 25-year-old neighbour in connection with her disappearance.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni said the man was not a suspect but was taken into custody for his own safety.
“He has not been charged. He was removed from the community after residents threatened his life.”
Yesterday, search and rescue members with the assistance of police detectives from Vulindlela police station, toiled for three hours in dense bush leading down a steep valley to a stream.
Using ropes, harnesses and climbing gear, searchers rappelled down the muddy, bushy 45- degree slope in the hope of finding the girl.
Nearby, a group of more than 100 residents stood behind crime-scene tape. The anxious crowd dispersed when told the search had been called off.
Siphosihle’s aunt, Nosisi Xawuka said: “We have not eaten since Sunday. We are surviving on water we are so stressed. As a family, we are hoping for closure. Without a body we cannot ever find closure.”
On Monday, the family searched for her at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital and NU1 police station morgues.
“There were no signs of her anywhere,” Xawuka said.
She said the community had been supportive, even joining in on the first police search on Tuesday.
Siphosihle is the youngest of five siblings who were orphaned in 2006 when their mother died.
She was last seen playing and singing at 3am on Sunday, while the family hosted more than 30 family members and neighbours at the party.
She was wearing a red, sleeveless night dress with a white printed dog on the front.
Ncedani’s Nokia Lumia phone also disappeared.
“The search for the missing girl will continue and we are still investigating circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” Tonjeni said.
Siphosihle is a Grade 5 pupil at Phumelelani Higher Primary School.
“She loves people. She is very beautiful. She has dimples,” said Xawuka.
Police urged anyone with information to contact Constable Zandisile Zweni on 083-717-4132 or (043)762-4800. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
Family frantic as girl still missing
Yesterday, the second search for Siphosihle Xawuka saw searchers abseil into a deep bushy ravine behind the yard of the girl’s NU8 home.
Police suspect Siphosihle was abducted during an all-night 50th birthday party for her aunt and guardian, Zoleka Ncedani.
On Monday, police questioned a 25-year-old neighbour in connection with her disappearance.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni said the man was not a suspect but was taken into custody for his own safety.
“He has not been charged. He was removed from the community after residents threatened his life.”
Yesterday, search and rescue members with the assistance of police detectives from Vulindlela police station, toiled for three hours in dense bush leading down a steep valley to a stream.
Using ropes, harnesses and climbing gear, searchers rappelled down the muddy, bushy 45- degree slope in the hope of finding the girl.
Nearby, a group of more than 100 residents stood behind crime-scene tape. The anxious crowd dispersed when told the search had been called off.
Siphosihle’s aunt, Nosisi Xawuka said: “We have not eaten since Sunday. We are surviving on water we are so stressed. As a family, we are hoping for closure. Without a body we cannot ever find closure.”
On Monday, the family searched for her at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital and NU1 police station morgues.
“There were no signs of her anywhere,” Xawuka said.
She said the community had been supportive, even joining in on the first police search on Tuesday.
Siphosihle is the youngest of five siblings who were orphaned in 2006 when their mother died.
She was last seen playing and singing at 3am on Sunday, while the family hosted more than 30 family members and neighbours at the party.
She was wearing a red, sleeveless night dress with a white printed dog on the front.
Ncedani’s Nokia Lumia phone also disappeared.
“The search for the missing girl will continue and we are still investigating circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” Tonjeni said.
Siphosihle is a Grade 5 pupil at Phumelelani Higher Primary School.
“She loves people. She is very beautiful. She has dimples,” said Xawuka.
Police urged anyone with information to contact Constable Zandisile Zweni on 083-717-4132 or (043)762-4800. — zwangam@dispatch.co.za
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