SIPHELELE NKETO
THE community of Ward 26 in EmaXesibeni is seeking any form of assistance to trace four residents who have gone missing, in separate incidents.
The first missing person to be reported was Sanele ‘Sanza’ Zibele of the rural village of Mvalweni. He left home on May 19, 2025, wearing white takkies, jeans and a jacket. He did not tell his family where he was going. His aunt Mangubo Zibele said that the community looked around the village and from relatives, without hints to date. She said the family still hopes to find him alive.
In November last year, two residents were reported missing. Xolile Kangola of Zinkawini left home in the early hours of November 24 without indicating where he was going. His wife Nobesuthu Lengisi said that their search for Kangola has been fruitless. Another search for Masomaliti Mpoko of Cabazana, who was last seen on November 29, also yielded unproductive results.
The latest missing person to be reported was Someka Makalima of Nyuswa who lost communication with her family two weeks ago while in Durban.
Makalima’s father, Lizo Temi, said that Makalima’s last interaction with the family was on January 12 when she complained of an illness. Temi said Makalima was advised to seek medical treatment from a doctor, but she never returned to the family. The family was suspicious when she failed to respond to her phone calls and WhatsApp conversations.
“The family checked with relatives, her workplace, and friends with no success,” explained Temi.
The incidents of missing persons without a trace in the ward did not sit well with ward councillor Monwabisi Tuku who has reached out to members of the public to seek help.
“The ward is terribly upset with cases of missing persons. We are calling on anyone with information to assist,” Tuku stated. He has released his contact number, 082 972 1182, so he can be informed if anyone identifies the missing persons.
He said that these cases of missing persons come at a time when the ward is still battling with the scourge of gender-based violence.
