By Zinhle Cele | Published by Missing Person South Africa Last Updated 08/06/2025
A Routine Evening Turns Into a Nightmare for the Mpehle Family
On the evening of 20 December 2024, 26-year-old Luyanda Mpehle walked out of his home in Kriel, Mpumalanga, to do something we all take for granted—charge his phone. He never came back.
What began as a normal night turned into a harrowing mystery that continues to torment his family five months later. His sister, Ntombifuthi Mpehle, recalls the moment everything changed.
“He said he was just going to charge his phone kwa John, like he always did. That place didn’t have electricity, so it was something normal. But this time… he didn’t return. We are shattered,” she said through tears.
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Who Is Luyanda Mpehle?
Luyanda was described as a quiet, humble, and hardworking young man. He had relocated to Mpumalanga for employment at Kriel Power Station, where he was known to be dependable and respectful.
“He wasn’t the kind of person who would just disappear,” said a co-worker. “He was focused and family-oriented.”
Originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Luyanda had moved to Kriel to build a better life. His family back home remains in anguish, unable to understand what could have happened.
“Sise Mtata thina, futhi asizange sibonane naye,” said a relative. “Kunzima ngoba akukho lutho oluqinisekileyo—akazange abuyele ekhaya, futhi asazi ukuthi kuphelela kuphi. Indaba yakhe inzima.”
On the night of his disappearance, Luyanda was reportedly wearing a white Nike shirt, blue jeans, white and blue takkies, and a black jacket.
The Last Known Movements
According to residents, the area where Luyanda lived had no electricity, and many people went to a nearby home, referred to as “kwa John,” to charge their phones. The man who owns the place is described by locals as Indian and known for allowing phone charging at night.
That night, Luyanda left around 8:00 PM, heading to her usual spot. But no one seems to have seen him since.
“We asked around, and some said they saw him that night. Others aren’t sure,” said Ntombifuthi. “It’s like he just vanished.”
The family says they opened a missing person case in Mpumalanga and did everything in their power to find him.
“We’ve searched everywhere,” said Ntombifuthi. “Hospitals, mortuaries, even nearby mines with the help of police. But there’s nothing—he’s just gone.”
A Family Still Waiting
For the Mpehle family, both in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, the silence is unbearable.
“We wake up every day hoping for a phone call, hoping someone will say they saw him or he’s okay,” Ntombifuthi told us. “We just want answers. We just want him back.”
The family continues to follow up with authorities, but so far, there have been no significant leads.
A Wider Look: Missing Persons in South Africa
Luyanda’s case is not an isolated one. According to Missing Children South Africa, a child goes missing every five hours in the country. While many are found, a large number remain unaccounted for.
The situation is similar for adults. Whether due to abductions, crime, accidents, or mental health issues, missing person cases are a growing concern, particularly in rural areas where services are limited and infrastructure is poor.
A Call for Community Awareness
Luyanda’s story reminds us how ordinary routines can carry hidden risks. His case also shines a light on the importance of community involvement in helping solve such disappearances.
“Someone, somewhere, knows something,” said community leader Thandi Mkhabela. “We are appealing to anyone with information to please speak up. Even the smallest detail can make a difference.”
What You Can Do: Safety Tips for Everyone
📱 For Phone Charging in Public or Rural Areas:
- Always inform someone of your location and estimated return time.
- Go in pairs if possible—safety in numbers.
- Avoid going out alone after dark in areas without lighting or security.
🚶 For Adults & Young Workers Living Away from Home:
- Establish daily check-ins with family or friends.
- Keep emergency contacts on speed dial.
- Avoid routines that might make you predictable to potential criminals.
🌐 For Social Media Users:
- Avoid sharing real-time locations.
- Alert followers when someone is missing—your post could reach the right person.
- Be cautious about who you trust with personal information online.
A Heartfelt Plea: Help Us Find Luyanda
Luyanda is more than just a name on a poster—he is a brother, a son, a friend. His family is living in unimaginable uncertainty.
If you have any information, no matter how small, please reach out to:
📞 Missing Person South Africa
📱 071 204 4588 (WhatsApp only)
Or contact your local police station.
💬 We Want to Hear from You
Have you ever had a loved one go missing? What can communities do better to protect each other? Share your thoughts or messages of support for the Mpehle family in the comments below. 💔
Let’s raise our voices—not just in worry, but in action.
📢 Take Action Now
✅ Share this story to help spread awareness.
✅ Stay alert in your own communities.
✅ Report helpful information to the numbers above.
✅ Use this official link to report a missing person
Published by: Missing Person South Africa
Author: Zinhle Cele
📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
📱 WhatsApp to report a case
🔗 Report a missing person
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