It has been 111 agonizing days since 30-year-old Tebogo Letlape vanished without a trace in Sharpville, Vaal, Vereeniging — and his family’s pain is only growing. What started as a desperate search in April has now become an agonizing wait for answers, with each passing day feeling like an eternity.

Tebogo was last seen on 15 April 2025 at his rental room in Sharpville. At the time, he was wearing a black jacket, dark blue jeans, blue takkies, and carrying a black backpack. Since then, there have been no confirmed sightings, only a trail of false leads that have left his loved ones exhausted and heartbroken.

False Leads and Emotional Toll

Tebogo’s sister says the family’s nightmare has been made even worse by the emotional rollercoaster of receiving tips that turn out to be untrue.

“Every time we think we’ve found a lead, we run with hope, only to be disappointed again. It’s heartbreaking. We can’t sleep, we can’t focus — we just want him home,” she said.

False reports waste valuable time that could be spent on genuine searches. The Letlape family has been tirelessly spreading Tebogo’s picture on social media, visiting police stations, and appealing to the community for help — but so far, nothing has led to any information about his whereabouts.

• The Haunting Disappearance of 30-Year-Old Naledi Selemela Raises Hard Questions About Justice and Accountability

A Community Search with No Closure

The Sharpville community has stood beside the family, helping to distribute posters and raise awareness. Local police are still investigating, but without solid information, the case remains unsolved.

Relatives describe Tebogo as a quiet, gentle soul who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. “He’s never disappeared before. This is not like him. We are worried something terrible has happened,” a family member said.

• Missing Shoprite Employee Found Dead in Durban Flat

Lessons on Personal Safety

Tebogo’s disappearance serves as a painful reminder that personal safety should never be taken for granted. While no one can predict a tragedy, there are ways to stay safer:

1. Let someone know your plans – Inform a trusted friend or family member of your whereabouts.
2. Stay connected – Always carry a charged phone and, if possible, a power bank.
3. Enable location-sharing – Apps like Google Maps and WhatsApp location sharing can help if something goes wrong.
4. Trust your instincts – If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation immediately.
5. Community vigilance – If you notice any unusual activity, report it to the authorities immediately.

An Ongoing Plea for Help

The Letlape family’s appeal is simple — if you have any information about Tebogo’s whereabouts, speak up.

“Even the smallest piece of information could bring us closer to finding him. We are not giving up,” his sister said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station.

How You Can Help

• Share this article to increase the reach of Tebogo’s story.
• Check your area for anyone matching his description, especially in public spaces.
• Report tips immediately to the police. Or you can whatsapp Missing Person South Africa on 0712044588

We Want to Hear From You

➡ Have you ever been involved in a missing person search? What lessons did you learn, and what advice would you give to families still searching for their loved ones?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below — your story could give hope to someone who needs it.