By Zinhle Cele
A Normal Day Turns into a Nightmare
For the friends and family of Boitumelo Mohau Shaun Khoantlane, June 13, 2025, is a date etched with pain and unanswered questions. The 28-year-old man from Wright Park, Springs, left home with plans to travel to the Vaal—a journey he never completed.
He was last seen at the Springs taxi rank, dressed in blue jeans, a white jersey, and a beige jacket. Since that moment, there has been no word from him. His phone has remained off, and he hasn’t returned home or reported for work at Ferro, where he is employed.
“It’s Not Like Him to Disappear” — Family Deeply Concerned
Speaking to Missing Person South Africa, a close friend who wished to remain anonymous shared their anguish:
“Boitumelo is a quiet, respectful guy. He’s never just vanished like this before. We are really scared something bad may have happened to him.”
His family describes him as responsible and dependable—a man who would never leave without letting someone know. His unexplained disappearance has triggered growing concern within the community.
“I’ve called every number I can think of. We’ve been to taxi ranks, hospitals, police stations—nothing. It’s as if he just disappeared,” said his sister, who has been leading the search with the support of relatives and friends.
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The Last Known Movements
Boitumelo reportedly left home early on Thursday, 13 June, to travel to the Vaal. Eyewitnesses confirm seeing him at the Springs taxi rank, where he may have boarded a taxi heading in that direction.
What happened after that remains a mystery.
According to Missing Person South Africa, the first 72 hours after someone goes missing are critical, but even as days have passed, every hour still matters. The organization is urging the public to remain alert and report any sightings or information.
The Bigger Picture: Missing Persons in South Africa
Boitumelo’s case is tragically not an isolated incident. According to South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics, more than 20,000 people are reported missing in the country each year, with adult males making up a significant percentage of the unresolved cases.
Experts say that urban areas, such as Springs and surrounding townships, often serve as key transit zones, making it harder to trace someone’s movements if they vanish.
Safety Tips for Travelers and Commuters
While the search for Boitumelo continues, Missing Person South Africa advises the public to follow these safety tips to protect themselves and their loved ones:
- Always inform someone of your travel plans and estimated arrival times.
- Check in frequently with family or friends if you’re taking public transport.
- Share your location through smartphone apps whenever possible.
- Avoid isolated taxi ranks or stops, especially after dark.
- Save and share emergency contact numbers with trusted contacts.
A Plea to the Public: Help Us Find Boitumelo
The Khoantlane family is pleading with anyone who may have seen Boitumelo or has any information to come forward. Your information—no matter how small—could help bring him home.
📍 Last seen: Springs taxi rank
👖 Clothing: Blue jeans, white jersey, beige jacket
🧍🏽♂️ Age: 28
🏠 From: Wright Park, Springs
🏢 Works at: Ferro
📅 Missing Since: 13 June 2025
How You Can Help
💬 Have you seen Boitumelo?
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +27 75 366 2410 or +27 68 202 7476
🧠 Do you know something? Say something.
📲 Report tips or sightings directly via WhatsApp
🔗 Report a missing person
🙏🏼 Please share this article with your friends and networks. You never know who might have seen something.
A Moment to Reflect
Boitumelo’s story is a sobering reminder that anyone can go missing, and it’s up to all of us to stay alert, connected, and compassionate. The more aware and informed we are, the better we can protect our communities.
📢 Have you or someone you know experienced a missing person case? What helped you through it? Share your story below, and let’s support each other.
This article is published in partnership with Missing Person South Africa.
✍️ Written by: Zinhle Cele
📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
📱 WhatsApp
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