Mahube Ext 17 residents are on high alert after the sudden and unexplained disappearance of 19-year-old Lerato Malange. The young man has not been seen since Friday, 8 August 2025, leaving his family desperate for answers and the community rallying to help find him.

According to family members, Lerato was last seen at home in Mahube Ext 17. When relatives woke up in the morning, he was gone. His disappearance has shocked those who know him, as there was no indication that he intended to leave or travel anywhere.

“We woke up and he was nowhere to be found,” a family member told Missing Person South Africa. “We are pleading with anyone who may have seen him to come forward. Even the smallest detail could make a difference.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 067 074 7897 immediately.

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A Race Against Time to Find Lerato

With each hour that passes, the urgency to locate Lerato grows. Missing persons cases involving young adults can quickly become high-risk, especially when there is no contact or sign of where they might have gone.

Community members have begun sharing Lerato’s photo widely on social media, hoping that someone might recognise him. Local leaders are urging residents to check their surroundings, including abandoned buildings, open fields, and any place where someone might seek shelter.

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Safety Tips to Help Prevent Disappearances

While the priority now is finding Lerato, this case is also a reminder of the importance of safety awareness. Here are some tips for families and individuals:

1. Stay in touch – Make it a habit to check in with family or friends regularly, especially if you live alone.
2. Share whereabouts – Inform someone close to you if you plan to go out, even for a short while.
3. Have an emergency contact list – Keep phone numbers of trusted people easily accessible.
4. Be aware of surroundings – Notice unfamiliar vehicles or people around your home.
5. Use technology – Location-sharing apps can be helpful for loved ones to keep track in emergencies.

Can You Help?

The family of Lerato Malange is pleading for information. Even a small detail — something you saw or heard — could help trace his last movements.

Let’s Discuss

• Have you noticed any unfamiliar activity in or around Mahube Ext 17 in the past few days?
• What safety precautions do you and your family take to prevent incidents like this?
• Do you think communities should have more patrols and safety watch groups?

Please share this story and help spread the word. The more people who see Lerato’s face, the higher the chances of bringing him home safely.

📌 Follow Missing Person South Africa on Facebook for updates on this case and others.

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