14-Year-Old Awande Cele Disappears After School — Family Pleads for Public’s Help”

Awande Cele missing in Inanda

By Zinhle Cele | Published on Missing Person South Africa

A Quiet Afternoon Turns into a Nightmare in Inanda

What started as a typical Monday for the Cele family in e4 Ngcongcweni, Inanda, quickly spiraled into a life-altering nightmare. Fourteen-year-old Awande Cele disappeared on Monday afternoon, 9 June 2025, shortly after returning from school, and has not been seen or heard from since.

His father, Mr. Cele, returned from work to find Awande’s school uniform neatly folded and his books placed on the table, just like any other day. But this time, Awande was gone.

“It didn’t make sense. Everything was in place, but my child wasn’t home. He never sleeps out, he always tells us where he’s going. That’s when I knew something was very wrong,” said Mr. Cele, his voice shaking with fear.

Awande Cele missing in Inanda
Awande Cele missing in Inanda

Last Known Movements and Ongoing Search

According to the family, Awande had no prior history of running away or behavioral issues. She attended school regularly and was described as a quiet, respectful child with a passion for drawing and soccer.

No one saw her leave the house after arriving from school. Neighbours have been questioned, and community WhatsApp groups are flooded with her photo — yet no solid leads have surfaced.

Police confirmed that a missing person case has been opened.

“We are actively investigating this case and urge anyone with information to come forward,” said Sgt. Phindile Ngubane from Inanda SAPS.

A Community Holding Its Breath

The atmosphere in e4 Ngcongcweni is heavy with worry. Volunteers have started combing nearby fields and asking taxi drivers and shop owners if they’ve seen Awande.

Community leader Baba Thwala, who’s helping coordinate local efforts, shared:

“We’ve had too many of our children go missing. We are tired of these stories ending in heartbreak. This time, we pray for a miracle. We need everyone’s eyes open.”

The Bigger Picture: South Africa’s Missing Children Crisis

South Africa sees an average of one child reported missing every five hours, according to Missing Children South Africa. While many children are found, a significant number vanish without a trace.

Cases like Awande’s highlight a deeper issue — the vulnerability of young people, especially in informal settlements, where public transport, unmonitored areas, and low police visibility create a dangerous gap in safety.

Safety Starts at Home: What Parents and Guardians Can Do

Here are actionable steps to help protect children from becoming statistics:

✅ Teach children to always inform someone when they change locations.
✅ Establish a “safe word” system for strangers who may try to pick them up.
✅ Encourage children to avoid shortcuts and secluded routes.
✅ Make sure they carry emergency contact numbers at all times.
✅ Regularly talk with them about the risks of social media interactions.

Read | Protecting Our Children: A South African Guide to Child Safety in 2025

A Father’s Plea: “Help Me Bring My Boy Home”

As night after night passes, Mr. Cele says the hardest part is not knowing.

“I just want to know where he is. Is he safe? Is he scared? I won’t rest until I have my son back,” he said tearfully.

What You Can Do Right Now

💔 Pause. Imagine it was your child.
📲 Share Awande’s story.
👥 Tag someone who lives in or near Inanda.
🕵️‍♀️ If you know anything — no matter how small — please speak up.

📞 Call: 076 571 6705 / 067 873 7103
📱 WhatsApp to report a case
🔗 Report a missing person

Have You Seen Awande Cele?

  • Age: 14
  • Height: Approx. 1.5m
  • Last Seen: Monday, 10 June 2025
  • Location: e4 Ngcongcweni, Inanda
  • Wearing: Unknown at the time of disappearance

Reflect With Us

Have you or someone you know ever experienced a similar situation? What more can we do as a community to protect our children?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s create a safe and informed space.

Donate to Missing Persons South Africa

Your contribution helps us continue our search efforts, raise awareness, and support families in need.





2 responses to “14-Year-Old Awande Cele Disappears After School — Family Pleads for Public’s Help””

  1. […] 14-Year-Old Awande Cele Disappears After School — Family Pleads for Public’s Help” […]

  2. […] 14-Year-Old Awande Cele Disappears After School — Family Pleads for Public’s Help” […]

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