Kgotla Labo Ntate Ba Thaba, under the leadership of Dr Chief Mofokeng, together with Orange Farm SAPS, have successfully rescued six boys who were reported missing and taken to illegal initiation schools.
The boys were found during ongoing search operations in the Lawley and Lenasia areas. The operation, which began on Monday, continues as authorities and community leaders search initiation sites and mountainous areas around the City of Johannesburg for more missing children.
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of children being taken to illegal initiation schools without their parents’ knowledge or consent. Working together with Orange Farm SAPS, we have managed to rescue six boys so far, but our work is not finished. We will continue searching until every missing child is safely reunited with their family. We urge communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children immediately,” said Dr Chief Mofokeng.
Among the children reported missing is 14-year-old Karabo Marumo, a Grade 9 learner at Siyaphambili Secondary School. According to information received, Karabo was allegedly taken after school on Tuesday by a man identified as Percy from Mountain View and transported to an initiation school without the consent of his family.
Dr Chief Mofokeng commended the efforts of community members and law enforcement officials involved in the rescue operation and urged parents and guardians to report missing children immediately.
Authorities have confirmed that the search operation remains ongoing as they work to locate other children who may have been taken to illegal initiation schools.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating missing children is encouraged to contact Orange Farm SAPS or their nearest police station.
