* Addendum – This article has been edited from the original. It was brought to our attention that the boy's surname is Tanzwani, not Tambani as originally reported, and that he disappeared on 2 May, not 3 May.
Police in Thohoyandou have launched an urgent search for a missing five-year-old boy, Nndwaasiyashu Tanzwani, who disappeared from his home in Makonde Shadani village under unclear circumstances.
According to available information, the child’s mother was doing laundry on 2 May, before going inside the house to rest. At the time, the boy was asleep in a separate house on the same property.
When she later woke up to check on him, he had vanished without a trace.
Despite immediate efforts by police and community members to search the surrounding area, no leads have been found so far.
Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the disappearance, saying the search for the young boy remains a top priority.
“Police and community members conducted extensive searches in and around the area, but unfortunately the child has not yet been located. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance,” he said.
The child was last seen wearing a cream-white T-shirt.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in locating Nndwaasiyashu to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Elijah Mabasa, on 082 351 5219, or report to their nearest police station.
Information can also be shared anonymously via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or through the MySAPSApp.