Police in Lephalale, Limpopo, are investigating the disappearance of a 37-year-old mother, Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse, and her two sons, Lebone Abongwe (12) and Lethabo Zemvelo Phalatse (7), who have not been seen for several months under circumstances that remain unclear.
The case has raised serious concerns among family members after communication with the trio reportedly stopped earlier this year. Authorities are now working to determine their whereabouts and what may have happened after their disappearance.
What Happened to Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse and Her Children in Lephalale?
According to information released by police, Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse and her two children were last in contact with relatives in January 2026.
Family members reportedly became increasingly concerned after repeated attempts to contact the mother proved unsuccessful. Communication with the family eventually ceased entirely, prompting growing fears for their safety and well-being.
The situation came to light on 13 June 2026 when a relative visited the family’s residence in Onverwacht, Lephalale. During the visit, it became apparent that there had been no contact with Phindile Phalatse or her two sons for several months.
Neighbours reportedly informed family members that they had last seen Phindile and her children around March 2026. This information has become an important part of the ongoing police investigation as authorities work to establish a timeline of events.
At this stage, police have not disclosed any evidence indicating what may have happened to the family, and investigators continue to examine all available information.
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Missing Person Details in Lephalale, Limpopo
The missing persons have been identified as:
Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse
- Age: 37
- Last known location: Onverwacht, Lephalale, Limpopo
Lebone Abongwe
- Age: 12
- Last known location: Onverwacht, Lephalale, Limpopo
Lethabo Zemvelo Phalatse
- Age: 7
- Last known location: Onverwacht, Lephalale, Limpopo
Police have indicated that the family was last known to be residing in the Onverwacht area of Lephalale. While relatives last communicated with the family in January 2026, neighbours reportedly saw them as recently as March 2026.
No physical descriptions or clothing descriptions were released by police as part of the initial appeal. Authorities are therefore focusing on gathering information that may help determine where the family travelled after they were last seen.
The disappearance has attracted attention because it involves a mother and two young children who appear to have vanished without maintaining contact with relatives for an extended period.
Anyone who may have seen Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse, Lebone Abongwe, or Lethabo Zemvelo Phalatse, or who may have information regarding their movements, is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mambo Nndwamato on 071 511 4310 or 079 765 8761.
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What Police Have Discovered During the Investigation
Preliminary investigations have uncovered several details that investigators are now examining.
Police revealed that one family vehicle was still parked at the residence when relatives visited the property. However, a Ford Kuga motor vehicle is believed to be missing from the home.
Investigators are attempting to establish whether the missing vehicle may provide clues regarding the family’s movements or whereabouts.
Authorities also established that Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse reportedly resigned from her employment in June 2024. While police have not indicated whether this information is linked to the disappearance, it forms part of the broader investigation into the family’s circumstances before they went missing.
Another significant discovery is that the two children had reportedly not attended school since November 2025.
Police have not provided further details regarding the reasons for their absence from school. Still, investigators are expected to examine this information as they piece together the timeline leading up to the disappearance.
At this stage, authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected, and no arrests have been made.
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Latest Police Appeal and Search for Answers
Police in Lephalale have opened enquiry dockets and continue to investigate the disappearance of the mother and her two children.
Investigators are following up on information from relatives, neighbours and other sources in an effort to establish exactly when the family was last seen and where they may have gone.
Cases involving missing children often generate significant concern because of the potential risks involved when young people disappear for extended periods without contact. For relatives, the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse and her sons has become increasingly distressing as the months pass.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information, no matter how minor it may seem. Information about sightings, vehicle movements, or recent contact with the family could assist investigators in locating them and understanding the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have urged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Sergeant Mambo Nndwamato on 071 511 4310 or 079 765 8761.
Readers can follow developments as more information becomes available and as police continue efforts to trace the missing mother and her two children.
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