Eighteen-year-old Ntshuxeko Mhlongo, who was reported missing after failing to return home from Fobeni High School in Thapane Village, Limpopo, has been found dead in a lake at Relela Village in Bolobedu South. His body was discovered on Monday, 7 September 2026, after several days of searching.

Mhlongo’s disappearance had prompted a search involving his family, community members and a search-and-rescue team. His death has now led the South African Police Service (SAPS) to open an inquest as investigators work to establish what happened to him.

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What Happened to Ntshuxeko Mhlongo in Relela Village

Mhlongo, a resident of Relela Village in the Mopani District, was reported missing by his family on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

According to preliminary information released by SAPS, he had been on his way home from Fobeni High School in Thapane Village when he was allegedly chased by a group of approximately 10 boys.

He subsequently disappeared and did not return home, prompting his family to report him missing at Tzaneen Police Station.

A missing-person enquiry was registered and search efforts were launched to locate the teenager.

An earlier account from the family and community said Mhlongo had been wearing his school uniform when he disappeared. That account also said his school bag was later found in a dam near Thapane Village.

The discovery of the bag had raised concern among those involved in the search and led to calls for additional assistance, including the use of a police K-9 unit.

However, the information released by SAPS does not establish a connection between the school bag, the alleged chase and Mhlongo’s death. Those circumstances remain part of the investigation.

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Relela Lake Search and Ntshuxeko Mhlongo’s Discovery

A search-and-rescue team was subsequently mobilised to the area where Mhlongo was last seen.

During the search operation, his body was discovered in a lake at Relela Village.

His family was called to the scene and positively identified him as the teenager who had been reported missing several days earlier. SAPS said relevant stakeholders were also summoned to the scene following the discovery.

The recovery brought an end to the search for Mhlongo, but it also raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police have not released details explaining how he came to be in the lake. They have also not stated that the group of boys allegedly seen chasing him was responsible for his death.

Those details are important because the allegation about the chase remains part of the preliminary information available to investigators. Any connection between that incident and the teenager’s death will have to be established through the police investigation.

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What Police Have Confirmed About the Investigation

SAPS in Tzaneen, Mopani District, is investigating the death under an inquest docket.

An inquest is being used while police investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and seek to establish what happened before Mhlongo was found in the lake.

At this stage, police have not announced any arrests or criminal charges in connection with the death.

SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward.

Information can be provided to Tzaneen Police Station or the nearest police station. Members of the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Latest Update on the Ntshuxeko Mhlongo Case

The death of Ntshuxeko Mhlongo marks a tragic development in a case that began with a missing-person report on 3 September.

His disappearance had led to search efforts in and around the area where he was last seen, with the community also becoming involved in efforts to locate him.

For the family, the discovery of his body has provided confirmation of what happened to their missing relative, while the circumstances surrounding his death remain to be established.

Police are now asking members of the public who may have seen Mhlongo on the day he disappeared, witnessed the alleged chase or have any other information that could assist the investigation to contact authorities.

The case remains under investigation, and further information from SAPS is expected as investigators establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

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