By Palesa Matlala
• Police arrested Omphile Sethole’s grandparents after the two year old girl vanished from her bed in Mokopane nearly two weeks ago.
• Investigators say the toddler was last seen wearing a pink jersey and black tights before she mysteriously disappeared from her home.
The grandparents of missing two year old Omphile Sethole have been arrested after the child disappeared from her home in Limpopo.
The child’s grandmother, 52, and grandfather, 55, were arrested on Friday, 15 May 2026, for alleged child negligence.
The pair was arrested by members of the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
Omphile disappeared nearly two weeks ago in Ga Mabuela village in Mapela near Mokopane.
Her disappearance has shocked communities across South Africa as police continue searching for the missing toddler.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the grandmother woke up at about 2am on the morning of the disappearance to use the bathroom.
She reportedly took Omphile with her before returning to bed.
When she woke again at about 6am, the child was gone and a window in the room was open.
Family members and neighbours immediately started searching for the toddler but could not find her.
The matter was later reported to Tinmyne police station and police launched a large scale search operation.
Ledwaba confirmed that the grandparents are expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The case has since been transferred to the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.
Police initially opened cases of housebreaking and kidnapping after the child disappeared.
At the time, Omphile was wearing a pink jersey and black tights.
“Police confirm that the child is still missing and that investigations aimed at locating her remain ongoing,” said Ledwaba.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrests and said investigators were working around the clock to find the child.
“We have assembled experienced investigators from the Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit who are working around the clock to trace the missing child and establish all circumstances surrounding her disappearance,” said Hadebe.
She also warned the public against spreading false information and urged communities to cooperate with police.
Omphile’s father, Khutso Bradley Mabuela, previously described the disappearance as something unheard of in the community.
“This has never happened before here. It has taken everyone by surprise,” he said.
He described Omphile as a cheerful child who loved people and attended creche.
“Omphile is a bubbly little girl. She loves people and is not afraid of anyone,” he said.
Police urged anyone with information about Omphile’s whereabouts to contact Warrant Officer Chuene Selolo on 082 469 2594, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station or use the MySAPSApp anonymously.
Image Caption: Missing two year old Omphile Sethole disappeared from her home in Limpopo nearly two weeks ago.
Picture: Supplied
