By Zinhle Cele | Missing Person South Africa
A peaceful rite of passage has turned into a heart-wrenching mystery for one Free State family. The Theunissen Police are urgently appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the safe return of 20-year-old Andile Petrus Zungulwa, who disappeared under alarming circumstances on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Andile, an initiate, was last seen wrapped in a blue blanket, fleeing from an initiation school after a violent attack the previous night. Since then, there has been no sign of him, and his family is growing more desperate by the day.
The Night of the Attack: What Happened?
On the evening of Friday, 27 June, chaos erupted when a group of unknown men stormed the initiation school, violently attacking initiates and teachers. During the terrifying altercation, a visitor was stabbed and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the initiates, fearing for their lives, ran into the surrounding bush.
“There was screaming everywhere. Some of the boys were crying and running in all directions. We were all scared,” shared one initiate, who has asked to remain anonymous.
By the next morning, most of the initiates had returned, shaken but unharmed. However, Andile did not.
“We thought he would return with the others,” said Andile’s aunt. “When the hours passed and he didn’t come back, we knew something was very wrong.”
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Police Search Underway—But Time is Ticking
The case was reported to Theunissen Police on 3 July 2025. Authorities, along with the Vala Umgodi combat and proactive units, immediately launched a search operation.
Despite days of searching, Andile has not been found.
“We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” stated Detective Sergeant Beoane, who is leading the investigation. “We appeal to anyone with information to come forward. No detail is too small.”
Anyone with leads is encouraged to contact Sgt Beoane directly at 083 411 0240.
A Community Holding Its Breath
In the small town of Theunissen, the mood has shifted. Parents are scared, community elders are shaken, and traditional leaders are calling for stronger protection of cultural institutions.
“Initiation schools are sacred. What happened here is a violation of our culture and our children’s safety,” said Chief Thabang Motloung, a local cultural leader.
Andile’s family has continued to plead for help from the public. “We just want him back home,” said his aunt. “Even if someone just saw him—please come forward.”
Behind the Crisis: Why We Must Stay Vigilant
Andile’s disappearance sheds light on the urgent need to ensure safety within traditional rites and cultural practices. While these schools play a vital role in shaping identity and manhood, recent reports of violence, poor supervision, and unauthorized schools are increasing across South Africa.
According to the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), over 400 initiate deaths were reported between 2006 and 2019 due to abuse, neglect, or violence.
This alarming trend must be addressed—through community vigilance, parental involvement, and collaborative action between law enforcement and cultural custodians.
Protecting Our Youth: Tips for Families and Communities
- Know the initiation school’s registration status. Only send initiates to legally recognized institutions.
- Maintain regular contact. Ensure there are clear lines of communication between parents and school authorities.
- Report early warning signs. Suspicious activity or threats must be reported to local police immediately.
- Educate young people about their rights and how to protect themselves, even within traditional settings.
What Can You Do?
The search for Andile is ongoing. You can help by:
✅ Sharing this story on your social media platforms.
✅ Checking in with friends or family who may have been in the area during the attack.
✅ Encouraging open conversations about safety and cultural rights in your communities.
Let’s stand together and amplify Andile’s story until he is found.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced danger in a cultural or traditional setting?
What more can be done to protect young people during initiation periods?
Share your thoughts, prayers, and ideas in the comments.
💔 Help Us Bring Andile Home
If you have any information about the whereabouts of Andile Petrus Zungulwa, please contact:
📞 Detective Sergeant Beoane at 083 411 0240
📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
📱 WhatsApp to report a case: https://wa.me/27712044588
🔗 Report a Missing Person: https://missingpersonsa.co.za/report-missing-person-south-africa/
Let’s not allow Andile’s name to fade into silence. Your share, your voice, and your action could make all the difference.th, South Africa initiation school safety, Free State police news, initiation schools crisis South Africa
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