By Everson Luhanga
- Little Ntobeko Xaba was last seen in Q Section, Umlazi, wearing a yellow top and navy shorts before disappearing with a neighbour who has also vanished.
- An unknown caller later demanded R50,000 for his safe return, leaving the family and community terrified as the search for him continues.
The family of five-year-old Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba is living a nightmare after he disappeared from outside his Umlazi home on Friday, 22 August.
Ntobeko, a Grade R pupil at Isipingo Primary School, was playing outside when he was last seen. He was wearing a yellow track top and navy shorts. Moments later, he was gone.
Witnesses told the family they saw a neighbour with Ntobeko before both disappeared. The woman has not been seen since. While police have not confirmed her involvement, she is suspected of abducting him.
That evening when Ntobeko’s mother received a phone call. An unknown man demanded R50,000 in exchange for her son’s safe return.
Neighbours, friends and strangers have joined the desperate search for Ntobeko. Parents in the area are clinging tighter to their children, fearing the same could happen to them.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has joined the search and urged anyone with information to come forward immediately.
For Ntobeko’s family, every hour is agony. His mother is clinging to the hope that he will be found safe.
Anyone who knows where Ntobeko may be is asked to call RUSA on 086 1234 333.
Pictured above: Five-year-old Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba is missing.
Image source: Supplied
