Polokwane – The paternal grandparents of the missing two-year-old, Omphile Sethole, have been arrested by police in Limpopo on suspicion of child neglect.
Omphile disappeared from her home in Ga-Mabuela village, under the Tinmyne policing area, during the early hours of Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Police initially opened cases of housebreaking at residential premises and kidnapping after the child’s grandmother reportedly discovered her missing at about 06h00 with a window left open in the room.
Little Omphile has not been seen since.
At the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
However, today, Sunday, 17 May 2026, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the missing toddler’s grandparents had been arrested for alleged child negligence.
Aged 52 and 55, the grandparents were arrested by members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit on Friday, 15 May 2026.
The pair is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest of missing Omphile’s grandparents for child neglect.
“We have assembled experienced investigators from the Mokopane FCS Unit who are working around the clock to trace the missing child and establish all circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to book.”
Lieutenant General Hadebe has reiterated her call for community cooperation while warning members of the public against the spread of misinformation surrounding the matter.
The child’s distressed mother, Nompumelelo Sethole, has given emotional interviews about her missing two-year-old daughter.
“I do not know how my child is doing, let alone know if she has eaten or is warm wherever she is,” the distressed mom was quoted as saying in an interview with timeslive.co.za.
”I am pleading with whoever took my baby to please return her.
“We are praying that she is found alive and unharmed. We don’t have the strength to do anything. Prayer is what keeps us going, although it is hard.”
“We are just a desperate family looking for the safe return of my child. We are hopeful that the words of the prophet will come to life.”
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Omphile is urged to contact the Mokopane FCS Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo, on 082 469 2594, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or share information via the MySAPSApp anonymously.
Police investigations are continuing.
