Missing Children In South Africa: A Heartbreaking Crisis

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

According to National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, nearly 2,000 children have gone missing since 2022.
Bianca van Aswegen from Missing Children SA breaks down how crime fuels the growing number of missing children cases.
South Africans are deeply troubled by the alarming ease with which children vanish every year.

As of 2023, 742 children remain missing, according to the South African Police Services. Image: Darren Stewart. Source: Getty Images.

Let’s take a moment to let this sink in: nearly 2,000 South African children have been reported missing in just the past three years. That’s a staggering number, and it’s not just a statistic—it’s a crisis that affects real families, real communities, and real lives.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, shared these sobering numbers: out of the almost 2,000 children reported missing, only 1,252 were found safe. That leaves 742 children still unaccounted for. To put it bluntly, that means roughly 250 kids go missing and are never found every single year. This isn’t just a problem—it’s an emergency.

Brigadier Mathe Shares the Disturbing Details

Mathe broke down the numbers further, painting an even bleaker picture. During the 2022/2023 financial year, 740 children were reported missing, but tragically, only 474 were found. The following year, 697 children went missing, and again, only 472 made it back home. As we approached the end of 2024, the trend continued: by December 17, 2024, 507 children had already been reported missing, with only 306 located.

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One of the most heartbreaking cases involves Joslin Smith, a young girl whose disappearance in February 2024 has left the nation reeling. Her mother remains one of the primary suspects in her disappearance, adding another layer of tragedy to an already devastating story.

Kelly Smith, Joslin's mother, was arrested in connection with her daughter’s disappearance. Image: Theo Jeptha. Source: Getty Images.

Another high-profile case is that of Eva Tembo, a six-year-old girl who vanished on July 1, 2024. Reports suggest she was taken by a male employer of her mother. Although Carlos Rebelo eventually returned Eva in October 2024, he remains at large, leaving many questions unanswered.

Crime Plays a Major Role in Missing Children Cases

Bianca van Aswegen, the national coordinator at Missing Children SA, explained that crime is a significant factor in the disappearance of children. While kidnappings and human smuggling are major contributors, there are other reasons as well. Some parents, struggling financially, find themselves unable to care for their children properly. These situations can lead to children ending up in dangerous circumstances.

But crime and financial hardship aren’t the only factors at play. Van Aswegen elaborated on the complexities of the issue: “We also have what we call ‘runaway’ cases, where children leave home because they’re being abused. Then there are the kids who simply wander off and get lost. And let’s not forget about our mentally challenged and autistic children, who are especially vulnerable to getting lost.”

“It’s not just one thing causing this crisis—it’s a combination of factors that we need to address urgently,” Van Aswegen emphasized.

The Nation Reacts with Pain and Anger

Social media has been flooded with reactions from South Africans who are deeply moved by the crisis. The pain and frustration are palpable as people grapple with the reality of so many children disappearing without a trace.

Quinton Quakes Crawford expressed his outrage: “This is so painful. Just imagine the trauma these kids endure. We need to take these syndicates on headfirst and not let up until they’re gone.”

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“The suffering these children endure is unimaginable,” Crawford added.

Vusi Mashinini chimed in, pointing a finger at systemic failures: “It’s alarming, yes, but the people responsible for solving these crimes are out playing golf or abusing state resources for their own benefit. It’s disgraceful.”

Mologadi Mantsho highlighted the issue of border control: “With open borders and poorly managed ports, it’s no surprise that children are being trafficked in and out of the country with ease. Something needs to change.”

“This is more than just sad—it’s enraging,” said Amanda Maas, echoing the sentiments of many.

Diragadibonwe Tukz voiced a harsh truth: “There’s always a grown adult behind these disappearances. Some people have lost all sense of humanity.”

Prince SaBongani Ny summed it up perfectly: “The pain of not knowing where your child is must be unbearable. Unfortunately, the authorities tasked with stopping these syndicates seem to be doing very little.”

Concerns Mount as Schools Reopen

As the school year approaches, South Africans are growing increasingly concerned about the safety of their children. The number of kids going missing while traveling to and from school is on the rise, sparking fears among parents and communities alike.

Many are calling for practical solutions, such as investing in GPS trackers to help locate missing children quickly. Social media users have been vocal about the importance of staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

Briefly News reported on these concerns, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action as the school year kicks off. The safety of our children should always be a top priority, and it’s time for everyone to step up and make a difference.