Polokwane – The paternal grandparents of the missing two-year-old, Omphile Sethole, remain in custody.
Grandparents 52-year-old Nkgalakana Vinolia Mabusela and 55-year-old Lesiba Jacob Ledwaba were arrested over the weekend on suspicion of child neglect.
RELATED: Missing 2-Year-Old Omphile Sethole: Police In Limpopo Arrest Grandparents – The Bulrushes
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 06:00, with a window left open in the room.
Little Omphile has not been seen since.
On Sunday, 17 May 2026, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the missing toddler’s grandparents had been arrested for alleged child neglect.
Yesterday, Monday, 18 May 2026, the grandparents, who were arrested by members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FSS) Unit for alleged child neglect, appeared in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo.
They were both remanded in custody until Monday, 25 May 2026, when their bail application would be heard.
Meanwhile, the search continues for the missing infant.
Police said at the time of her disappearance, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Omphile Sethole 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 anonymously via the MySAPSApp.
