Missing child from Khayelitsha Min Fernandez calls on public to help with search

A team of social workers from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has visited the family of the missing 12-year-old, Lunamandla Sithonga, from Khayelitsha. The young learner was last seen on Thursday, 9th of July 2020, while she was on her way to school in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain.

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said: “We are deeply concerned that after 12 days since Lunamandla was last seen, there has still been no word about the young child’s whereabouts.”

Minister Fernandez added: “We are calling on our communities to be our eyes and ears on the ground. Please do not hesitate to contact the SAPS, or any other relevant authority if you have any information about Lunamandla. Furthermore, we would also like to thank everyone who has been working hard and actively involved in the search.”

Minister Fernandez continued: "A dedicated team of social workers will continue to render psycho-social support and other assistance to the family members and neighbours who have been affected and left deeply traumatized by the incident."

If you any information that can assist in finding the missing child, we urge you to report it via any of the following channels:

• the Western Cape Department of Social Development (toll-free): 0800 220 250; 

• the SAPs crime stop hotline: 10111;

• Childline: 0861 322 322; or 

• Child Welfare SA: 0861 424 453.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape DSD’s website using the URL provided below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.