A Terrifying Ordeal: Aphiwe Tsewana’s Disappearance Sparks Concern and Questions
For two days, 27-year-old Aphiwe Tsewana’s family lived through a harrowing nightmare. A responsible young mother from Diepkloof, Johannesburg, Aphiwe vanished without a trace after being last seen on Sunday at midday. Her phone went off. She missed work. And most alarmingly, she never came home to her one-year-old baby.
Now reunited with her family, Aphiwe’s story is both chilling and heartbreaking—a cautionary tale of how quickly everyday safety can turn into a life-threatening emergency.
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“She Wasn’t Herself”: Family Recounts Emotional Reunion
According to the Tsewana family, Aphiwe was found disoriented and emotionally distressed after being dropped at a police station by an unknown person.
“She didn’t know where she was. She was confused. It’s like she had been drugged,” said a relative, who had shared a desperate plea on social media just hours before Aphiwe Tsewana was located.
The Tsewana family told Missing Person South Africa, who assisted with spreading the word, that Aphiwe believes she was robbed and possibly drugged by a Bolt driver, then dumped along a highway. The details are blurry—likely due to the substances that may have been involved—but the trauma is real and ongoing.
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From Routine to Horror: What We Know About the Timeline
- Friday: Last time family physically saw Aphiwe. She was on her way to work.
- Sunday (afternoon): Last seen by her colleague around 12:00 PM.
- Sunday 11 AM–12 PM: Her phone last pinged in Tau Street, Diepkloof.
- Monday & Tuesday: Aphiwe missed work. Phone unreachable.
- Tuesday: A stranger brought her to a police station in a dazed state.
She is currently undergoing medical tests and psychological evaluation at a hospital while the family tries to piece together what happened.
An Ongoing Investigation: Bolt and Police Yet to Comment
As of now, there has been no official response from Bolt, and police have yet to release a public statement. The family has called for a thorough investigation into the driver’s identity and what transpired during that fateful ride.
“We want justice, but more than that—we want answers,” her sister said. “She is not okay. Someone needs to be held accountable.”
A Broader Crisis: Women’s Safety and Ride-Hailing Services in South Africa
Sadly, Aphiwe’s story is not an isolated incident. Gender-based violence and attacks on women using e-hailing services have become increasingly reported in South Africa.
According to Stats SA, over 50% of women have experienced some form of violence or harassment, and many victims remain silent or never report incidents.
A Lesson for Us All: Stay Vigilant, Stay Connected
This incident is a painful reminder that even the most routine activities—like ordering a ride—can carry risks. Here are some essential safety tips when using ride-hailing apps:
- 📍 Share your trip with a family member or friend in real time.
- 🛑 Avoid traveling alone late at night when possible.
- 👀 Check driver details and car registration before entering the vehicle.
- 🚨 Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, cancel the ride.
- 📲 Enable emergency features on ride apps and your smartphone.
Aphiwe’s Strength: A Mother, A Survivor
Despite the trauma, Aphiwe is alive—and for that, her family is thankful.
“We don’t know what she went through, but we’re just grateful she came back to us alive,” her aunt shared tearfully.
Aphiwe’s recovery journey has only begun, but her story stands as a powerful testament to survival and resilience.
What Can You Do? Let’s Support Aphiwe and Others Like Her
➡️ Have you or someone you know experienced something similar?
➡️ What do you think can be done to improve the safety of women using public and private transport?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk, learn, and grow as a community.
📢 Please SHARE this story to raise awareness. Someone else may need this information to stay safe.
🙏 To Aphiwe and her family—our hearts are with you. Thank you for your bravery in sharing this story.
📌 Published in partnership with: Missing Person South Africa
📎 If you’re looking for someone or have information about a missing person, visit their Facebook page for trusted support.
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