Amahle Thabethe, a young girl from Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, has been missing for six long years, and despite tireless efforts, there is still no sign of her. As she turns 14 in 2024, her family, law enforcement, and the community continue their search, holding on to hope that she will one day be found.

Amahle’s disappearance has left her family devastated, particularly her mother, Nokulunga Nkosi. The pain of her missing daughter weighs heavily on her heart, especially as another birthday passes without Amahle by her side. The family’s grief is compounded by the uncertainty and lack of closure regarding her whereabouts.

“This is a sensitive matter. Whenever we touch on the topic, it becomes very emotional,” said Brian Sithole, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the One Strong Voice Foundation. Sithole explained that the family has decided to limit their communication about Amahle’s case to only sharing positive developments with close relatives.

The One Strong Voice Foundation, a non-profit social justice advocacy organization, has played a crucial role in supporting the family. The foundation, alongside other organizations in the Tsakane area, has conducted searches for Amahle in potential hotspot areas. They also organized a community march, urging for her safe return. Despite receiving numerous tip-offs, none have led to her discovery.

In addition to their efforts, Sithole revealed that they had requested a R50,000 cash reward from the South African Police Services (SAPS) for any information leading to Amahle’s safe return. Unfortunately, it took two years for the police to release the reward.

Complicating matters further, the first investigating officer in the case retired, and since then, the investigation has been handed over to multiple new officers, affecting the continuity of the search.

In their bid to keep hope alive, various organizations have explored alternative ways to stay hopeful. Prayer sessions have been organized, involving different stakeholders coming together to pray for Amahle’s return. The community has rallied around the family, offering both emotional and spiritual support during this difficult time.

However, amidst the hope and efforts to bring Amahle home, there have been distressing moments. Sithole expressed frustration with the insensitive behavior of some people on social media who make light of the situation by posting jokes or spreading false information about missing children.

“It is disturbing when people joke or post fake news about missing children on social media when other people are facing the reality of not knowing their children’s whereabouts,” Sithole said.

Despite these challenges, Sithole emphasized that the search for Amahle Thabethe will not stop. The community remains united in their efforts, determined to find her and bring her home.

The ongoing search for Amahle serves as a painful reminder of the many missing children whose families still cling to hope for their safe return. As Amahle’s family faces yet another birthday without her, the need for continued awareness and collective action remains critical.

The search for Amahle continues, and her family, along with the community, will not rest until she is found.