A R50,000 reward has been offered for information that could help police locate the remains of three-year-old Banele Mshubi, who was last seen in the Marikana area of Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, in December 2025.

Banele Mshubi’s disappearance was only reported to police on 4 January 2026. A police investigation subsequently led to the arrest of the child’s 27-year-old mother and her 43-year-old boyfriend, who is Banele’s stepfather.

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What Happened to Banele Mshubi in Kokstad

According to police, Banele Mshubi was last seen in the Marikana area of Kokstad during December 2025. His disappearance was not reported until several weeks later, when a missing-person case was opened on 4 January 2026.

The delay in reporting the child’s disappearance became part of the police investigation. Banele’s mother was arrested and charged in connection with allegedly failing to report her child missing.

During the investigation, the mother reportedly told police that her boyfriend had assaulted Banele following an argument involving a missing USB device.

Police said the mother further alleged that the stepfather’s assault resulted in the child’s death. She reportedly told investigators that she did not know where Banele’s body had been buried.

The allegations remain part of the investigation and have not been proven in court.

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Banele Mshubi Missing Person Search and Police Investigation

The child’s 43-year-old stepfather was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

Police have also linked the man to a separate murder case in Harding. Further details about that case were not provided in the information released about the search for Banele.

Banele Mshubi’s remains have still not been recovered.

KwaZulu-Natal police are appealing to members of the public who may have information about what happened to the three-year-old or where his remains may be located.

Police have offered the R50,000 reward for credible information that can assist investigators in recovering Banele’s remains.

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Kokstad Court Appearance and Bail Decision

Banele’s mother and stepfather appeared before the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court following their arrests.

The mother was released on bail, while the stepfather was remanded in custody for further investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to establish what happened to Banele and locate his remains.

The allegations against the accused form part of an ongoing criminal investigation and court proceedings. The arrests and charges do not by themselves establish guilt.

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How to Help Find Missing 3-Year-Old Banele Mshubi

Anyone with credible information that could assist police in locating Banele Mshubi or recovering his remains can contact investigating officer Detective Constable Vincent on 082 334 8610.

Information can also be provided to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Banele was three years old when he went missing from the Marikana area of Kokstad. Police have not provided a physical or clothing description in the information supplied for this report.

The search for Banele remains active, and police are appealing to anyone who may know something about his disappearance or the location of his remains to come forward.

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