Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula, a 27-year-old man originally reported missing in Eswatini, is now the subject of an active cross-border missing person search after he was last confirmed to be in Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa. He was last seen by family members on 29 April 2025, with later contact suggesting he may have been alive and moving between Randburg and Sandton in 2026.
The case has raised growing concern among authorities and the public after reports indicated that Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula may be living among homeless communities while searching for employment, with his exact whereabouts still unknown.
What Happened to Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula in Randburg
Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula was reported missing after he disappeared from contact with his family in Eswatini on 29 April 2025. For months, there was no confirmed communication until 5 May 2026, when he reportedly contacted a friend using a South African phone number.
During this brief communication, Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula allegedly stated that he was in Randburg, Gauteng, and actively seeking employment opportunities. This message provided the first confirmed lead in over a year, shifting the focus of the search from Eswatini to South Africa.
Further information suggests that a Good Samaritan assisted him with money for food during his time in Randburg. However, later follow-up information indicated that he was last seen near McDonald’s in Randburg, where he was reportedly sleeping among members of the street population. Additional unconfirmed sightings place him around the Sandton Library area.
Authorities and community members have expressed concern that Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula may be moving between public spaces in central Johannesburg, making it difficult to trace his exact location.
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Missing Person Details and Last Known Movements in Randburg and Sandton
Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula is described as a 27-year-old male originally reported missing from Eswatini. His last confirmed family sighting was on 29 April 2025, with his latest known communication placing him in Randburg, Gauteng.
Missing person details:
- Full name: Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula
- Age: 27 years old
- Last seen by family: 29 April 2025
- Last confirmed location: Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Possible sightings: McDonald’s Randburg, Sandton Library
- Status: Missing person, possibly homeless and mobile
The movements of Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula across Randburg and Sandton remain unclear, with reports suggesting he may not have stable accommodation. His situation highlights ongoing concerns around vulnerable individuals who move between urban areas without formal support systems.
This is not the first case in Gauteng where missing persons have later been reported as living in public spaces without easy means of identification or contact.
Readers are encouraged to share information and remain alert. Read more similar cases on our website to help support ongoing awareness of missing persons across South Africa.
Investigation Updates, INTERPOL Contact Details, and Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula remains active, with authorities relying heavily on public information and community sightings to trace his movements. Given the cross-border nature of the case, cooperation between South African authorities and INTERPOL Pretoria has been involved in tracking leads.
Anyone with credible information regarding Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula is urged to come forward immediately. Even small details about sightings in Randburg or Sandton may assist investigators in narrowing down his location.
Contact details for information:
Lt Col Kgopa, INTERPOL Pretoria
Telephone: 012 407 0472
Mobile: 079 514 3551
The case remains open and ongoing, with efforts focused on confirming his current status and ensuring his safety. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any possible sightings in Randburg, Sandton, or the surrounding Johannesburg areas.
The disappearance of Owethu Nkanyiso Magagula continues to raise concern across communities in both Eswatini and South Africa. While recent contact suggests he may still be alive, his exact location remains unknown, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.
Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert, share verified information, and follow updates as the investigation develops.
Recent Missing Persons in South Africa 2026
Across South Africa, many families are still searching for loved ones who have not returned home. Each case carries its own story and community appeal. If you recognise any of the names below or have information that may assist, please come forward and help bring answers to these families.
- Lindokuhle Siyoyo – Last seen in KwaZulu-Natal
- Duncan Gerhard Koekemoer – Missing person case update
- Gabriel Toyana – Ongoing investigation
- David Waterboer– Missing since Friday, 7 February 2025, Northern Cape
- Kelebogile More – Community appeal for information. Missing since 14 February 2026
You can view the full list of active cases on our Missing Persons in South Africa – Latest Updates page.
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