The family of Mamatsharaga Ntendeni (27) from Tshififi village is appealing for public assistance after he went missing under mysterious circumstances last Thursday, 29 January.
According to his sister, Vhahangwela Mamatsharaga, Ntendeni disappeared shortly after she briefly left home to buy bread. “I left him at home on Thursday when I went to buy bread. When I came back, he was no longer around,” she said.
Vhahangwela said Ntendeni had been unwell for some time and had recently resigned from his job due to his condition. “He complained that there was something in his head that caused severe pain. We tried everything to help him and even consulted seers. He was recovering well until the day he disappeared,” she said.
She added that Ntendeni did not inform anyone before leaving the house. He was last seen heading toward a nearby dam, taking a different route from the one his sister had used. Before his disappearance, Ntendeni reportedly told local cow herders that he believed he had been bewitched by people from his village.
A search operation began on Friday, initially involving friends and later expanding to include Vhakoma and community members. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of him has been found.
The family also sought spiritual guidance. “We went to prophets and sangomas. They all told us that he is still alive and that we must pray for him to come home safely,” Vhahangwela said.
Ntendeni is described as coffee-complexioned, thin, and appearing weak at the time of his disappearance due to illness. He was last seen wearing black Ellesse trousers, a navy-black T-shirt, and Adidas sandals.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating Ntendeni is urged to contact the nearest police station or community leaders immediately.