Bloemfontein – A search is underway for Missing Police Sergeant Vuyiswa Martha Nduna, a 47-year-old officer stationed at Bainsvlei Police Station, who disappeared on the day she was due to travel from Bloemfontein to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. Her family, colleagues, and community members are growing anxious as days pass with no trace of her whereabouts.

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Missing Police Sergeant Was Last Seen in Abrahamskraal, Bloemfontein

Sergeant Nduna was last seen by her son at their home in Abrahamskraal, a small farming area located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, on Friday, 1 August 2025. According to her son, she had arranged to travel to her home in Mthatha, where she was expected by relatives over the weekend.

Earlier that day, Vuyiswa visited a shopping complex in Langenhovenpark, where she reportedly purchased a bus ticket. She later asked her son to help her secure a taxi to the Tourism Center bus terminus, which serves as the departure point for long-distance travel. This was the last known interaction anyone had with her.

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No Record of Bus Boarding Raises Alarm

Despite her confirmed purchase of a ticket, there is no record or eyewitness confirmation that the missing police sergeant ever boarded the bus bound for the Eastern Cape. Her phone has remained unreachable, and her absence has triggered concern, as she failed to check in with her family in Mthatha or report for duty at Bainsvlei Police Station.

Her son, sensing something was wrong, reached out to colleagues at her workplace. This led to a formal inquiry, and a Missing Persons docket was opened by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The situation has taken on a heightened level of urgency due to her position as a police sergeant and the lack of any new leads.

Police Call for Public Assistance

Police have appealed to members of the public to assist in tracing the Missing Police Sergeant. According to Captain Thapelo Motseki, who is overseeing the investigation, any detail — no matter how small — could be vital in piecing together her movements on that day.

“We are following all available leads. We appeal to anyone who might have seen her at the bus station or in the surrounding areas to come forward. We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” said Motseki.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Thapelo Motseki directly at 082 442 0991.

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Community Concern Grows Over Missing Police Sergeant

The disappearance of a serving police officer has sparked unease within both the law enforcement community and among ordinary citizens. For those who worked alongside her, Vuyiswa was known as a dedicated and disciplined officer who took pride in her duties.

“She was a committed team member and someone we all respected. Her sudden disappearance is not only troubling, it’s heartbreaking,” said a fellow officer who asked to remain anonymous.

Residents in both Bloemfontein and Mthatha have also started mobilizing on social media, sharing images of Sergeant Nduna and raising awareness under hashtags such as #FindVuyiswa and #MissingPoliceSergeant.

Safety Concerns for Women in Uniform

The missing police sergeant case also brings to light broader concerns about the safety of women in law enforcement, especially when traveling alone. While police officers are often tasked with protecting the public, they, too, are vulnerable when off-duty or in personal settings.

This is not the first time a female police officer has gone missing in South Africa. Advocacy groups are now calling for better safety protocols for off-duty officers, including tracking systems for long-distance travel and coordinated welfare checks.

“We must not only search for Vuyiswa but also use this moment to push for stronger protection measures for women in the police force,” said a spokesperson for Women in Blue, a group supporting female law enforcement personnel.

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The Investigation Continues

At present, the SAPS has not ruled out any possibilities, including foul play, accidental disappearance, or a medical emergency. Forensic analysis of her phone and digital footprint is underway. CCTV footage from the shopping complex and Tourism Center is also being reviewed, although results have not been released to the public.

Investigators are encouraging those who may have traveled on the same route, or who were at the Tourism Center on the afternoon of 1 August, to reflect and report anything unusual they might have noticed.

How the Public Can Help Find the Missing Police Sergeant

• Share verified posts from the family or SAPS to extend the reach of the alert.
• Avoid spreading speculation or unverified claims that could derail the investigation.
• Stay alert and report any sighting to the number provided.
• Follow police pages and Missing Person South Africa for updates.

As the search intensifies, the disappearance of Missing Police Sergeant Vuyiswa Martha Nduna remains one of deep concern. The public’s help is crucial. Anyone who may have seen or interacted with her on 1 August, or who might have dashcam footage from near the Tourism Center or Langenhovenpark that day, is urged to come forward.

Every hour matters in cases like this. Let’s not allow Sergeant Nduna to become another statistic. Her family, colleagues, and community are holding on to hope — and your help could make the difference.

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