Masoyi, Mpumalanga – 25 July 2025
3-year-old Nkosingiphile Ndwane Ntiwane, who had been missing for nearly a week, has been found alive in a ditch just metres away from his home in Mshadza Trust, Masoyi. The boy, who is deaf and mute, was discovered on Friday afternoon, 25 July 2025, by community members who had not given up hope in the search.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga confirmed the discovery, stating that while Nkosingiphile was weak and possibly dehydrated, he was responsive and receiving medical care.

However, what should be a moment of pure relief is now raising even more questions than answers.

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Where Has Nkosingiphile Been?

According to SAPS, the area where the child was found had already been thoroughly searched earlier in the week, both by authorities and concerned residents. The discovery of the child in a visible ditch mere metres from his home has sparked suspicions that he may have been placed there after the initial searches had taken place.

Community members who found the boy were reportedly shocked, with one saying, “We searched that exact spot days ago. He wasn’t there.”

This mysterious reappearance, combined with the fact that Nkosingiphile was found wearing a completely different outfit than what he had on when he went missing — a cream white hoodie and whitish jumpsuit with floral print, instead of the green camouflage jumpsuit — has only deepened speculation about what happened to him over the past six days.

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Police Call for Calm Amid Investigation

The police have urged the public to remain calm while investigations continue. Tensions had escalated earlier in the week when frustrated residents protested outside the Masoyi Police Station, demanding answers and even threatening to torch the family’s home. The violence forced authorities to relocate Nkosingiphile’s family for their safety.

Now that the boy has been found, police are carefully investigating the circumstances of both his disappearance and reappearance. No arrests have been made at this stage.

“We’re grateful that Nkosingiphile is alive. But the investigation doesn’t end here — it begins again with new questions,” said a police source familiar with the case.

Similarities to Other High-Profile Cases

The mysterious disappearance and sudden reappearance of Nkosingiphile have drawn comparisons to other high-profile child cases in South Africa, including the tragic story of Joshlin Smith, whose mother was convicted for trafficking her after reporting her missing, and Jayden-Lee Meek, who was allegedly killed in his home and left on a stairwell.

While authorities have not accused the family of wrongdoing, many in the community are left wondering whether something similar could be at play.

Keeping Children Safe: What Parents Should Know

The case has once again highlighted the urgent need for child safety awareness, especially for children who are vulnerable, non-verbal, or living in high-risk communities. Here are some practical safety tips for families:

• 1. Secure Play Areas
• Always ensure that children — especially toddlers — are playing within secured, enclosed spaces and that they’re supervised at all times, even when at home.
• 2. Educate About Danger
• Teach children to avoid talking to strangers, entering vehicles, or wandering off — using age-appropriate language.
• 3. Check Hidden Places
• In any missing child situation, always double- and triple-check local hiding spots, including ditches, abandoned buildings, storerooms, and open fields.
• 4. Install Cameras or Alarms
• If possible, use affordable motion-detection cameras or gate alarms to monitor movement in and out of your property.
• 5. Community Vigilance
• Communities should create neighbourhood watch groups and use WhatsApp groups to alert each other quickly when something suspicious happens.

Unanswered Questions Remain

• How did Nkosingiphile end up in the ditch so close to home?
• Was he hidden somewhere else and brought back later?
• Why was he found in different clothes?

As the public celebrates the boy’s safe return, these questions persist. The SAPS has assured the community that all leads are being followed and the investigation will leave no stone unturned.

We Want to Hear From You

What do you think happened to Nkosingiphile?
Should the police pursue this case as an abduction?
Was someone protecting him or hiding something?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments, share this story, and help us keep pressure on the truth.

If You Have Information

Contact Captain David Hlatshwayo at 076 451 5495 or report to your nearest police station.