The disappearance of 17-year-old Ntando Ngozo has taken a significant turn after Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs formally intervened, referring the case to the South African Police Service and Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia for urgent investigation.
Ntando has been missing since 18 December 2025, when he was last seen with individuals linked to an initiation school in Poortjie, Vaal. His disappearance has sparked widespread concern, with the family and community reporting little progress or communication from authorities over the past three months.
Community activist Thomas Goreseb-Maseko, who escalated the matter to Parliament, welcomed the intervention, describing it as a critical step toward justice.
“This intervention marks a turning point in the pursuit of justice. However, we remain cautious and resolute. The community will not rest until Ntando is found and those responsible are held accountable,” said Goreseb-Maseko.
The parliamentary committee acknowledged the seriousness of the case, noting a troubling pattern of similar incidents linked to initiation schools. It also recognised growing public pressure, including a protest of more than 700 residents and a petition with over 4,000 signatures demanding accountability.
The committee has called for a full investigation into the initiation school in question, enforcement of compliance measures, direct feedback to the Ngozo family, and a formal report back to Parliament.
Goreseb-Maseko further urged authorities to prioritise the case, improve transparency, and strengthen oversight of initiation schools.
“Ntando is not the first child to disappear under such circumstances — but we are determined that he must be the last,” he said.
The community has vowed to continue mobilising until answers are found and justice is served.
