Mojalefa Savhuli

A desperate search is underway in Tshepisong, Roodepoort, for three-year-old Mojalefa Savhuli, who went missing on Sunday, 27 April 2025. The toddler, who lives with autism, was last seen at a local playing field, prompting a large-scale response from the South African Police Service (SAPS), community members, and organizations like Missing Children South Africa (MCSA). As the search intensifies, concerns are growing about the safety of the young boy and the broader issue of missing children in South Africa.

Details of Mojalefa’s Disappearance

Mojalefa Savhuli was last seen on Sunday afternoon at a playing field in Tshepisong, a township west of Johannesburg. According to reports, the toddler, who primarily communicates through “child-speak” due to his autism, followed other children to a nearby shop and has not been seen since. At the time of his disappearance, Mojalefa was wearing green shorts, a yellow jersey, and black shoes, details that have been widely shared to aid in his identification.

The boy’s father, Murunwa Savhuli, took to social media on 27 April, pleading for help: “My 3-year-old son, Mojalefa Ndivho Savhuli, went missing this afternoon from our home in Tshepisong, Roodepoort. Please help us find him—any retweets or shares would be appreciated.” The post, which included a photo of Mojalefa, has been widely circulated, amplifying the call for assistance.

SAPS and Community Response

The South African Police Service has mobilized significant resources to locate Mojalefa. On Tuesday, 29 April, SAPS deployed K9 Units and helicopters across the Westrand area to assist in the search. The operation includes ground teams combing through Tshepisong and surrounding areas, focusing on open fields, informal settlements, and nearby shops where Mojalefa was last headed.

Despite these efforts, some Tshepisong residents have expressed frustration, accusing law enforcement of not doing enough. Community members have joined the search, organizing groups to check local areas and distribute flyers with Mojalefa’s details. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user noting, “The Tshepisong community is up in arms, accusing the police of not doing enough to assist.”

Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) is also supporting the effort. Bianca van Aswegen, MCSA’s national coordinator, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “We are assisting the police in following up on any leads that come in and doing everything possible to make sure Mojalefa is found safely and reunited with his family.” MCSA has urged the public to share Mojalefa’s flyer and contact them at 072 647 7464 with any information.

The Critical First 48 Hours

MCSA has highlighted that the first 24 to 48 hours are critical for recovering a missing child. “The quicker a case gets reported, the quicker action can be taken,” Van Aswegen said. She advised parents to immediately open a missing persons case at the nearest police station and provide key details, including a recent photo, clothing description, and last known whereabouts. A SAPS 55 form is required to formalize the report, enabling police to distribute the child’s information widely.
In Mojalefa’s case, the report was filed promptly on 27 April, allowing SAPS to launch the search within hours. However, the toddler’s autism adds complexity, as he may struggle to communicate or seek help, making public awareness and rapid response even more critical.

South Africa’s Missing Children Crisis

Mojalefa’s disappearance underscores a broader crisis in South Africa. In 2024, SAPS reported 507 missing children cases by mid-December, with over 200 still unresolved. Kidnapping, human trafficking, and underreporting are key drivers, particularly in vulnerable communities like Tshepisong. The Western Cape and Gauteng, including areas like Roodepoort, consistently report high numbers of missing persons cases due to urban density and socio-economic challenges.

Recent cases highlight the severity of the issue. For example, in February 2025, SAPS sought public assistance to locate a missing boy in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo, and earlier this year, two minors went missing in Thabong, Free State. These incidents reflect the ongoing strain on law enforcement and community resources.

MCSA recommends preventive measures to reduce risks:

• Never leave children unsupervised, even briefly.
• Complete an Interim ID Kit (available at www.missingchildren.org.za) with vital information for emergencies.
• Teach children their full name, address, and how to seek help.
• Monitor social media use to prevent online grooming by perpetrators.

Community and Police Collaboration

While tensions exist between Tshepisong residents and SAPS, MCSA has called for coordinated efforts. “It is wonderful that people get together to assist, but it is important that they do so with instruction and guidance from SAPS, especially if there might be a crime involved,” Van Aswegen noted. Uncoordinated searches can inadvertently disrupt evidence or leads.

SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact the Roodepoort Police Station at 011 279 6400, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or MCSA at 072 647 7464. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the MySAPS App. The investigating officer’s contact details should be obtained when reporting, and any updates—such as the child’s safe return—must be reported to close the case with a SAPS 92 form.

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