Thandolwethu Mahlangu was brutally murdered and her body was found under rubble after ransom demand in Delmas. Picture: Supplied.
Missing
1Min
South Africa
Nov 13, 2025
Police in Delmas have launched a manhunt after the body of seven-year-old Thandolwethu Mahlangu was found under rubble in Delpark Extension 2. She was reported missing after visiting her father. A ransom of R30,000 was later demanded before her body was discovered. Police have opened a murder case.
Police in Delmas have launched a manhunt for the suspect or suspects behind the brutal murder of a seven-year-old girl whose body was discovered under a pile of rubble in Delpark Extension 2 on Wednesday morning.
The child, identified as Thandolwethu Mahlangu, was reported missing on Monday evening, 10 November, after she failed to return home from visiting her father.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the killing and has activated a 72-hour plan to track down the perpetrators.
“People have lost their sense of humanity. How can anyone kill an innocent young girl who had her whole future ahead of her? We will not rest until the suspect(s) are behind bars,” said Mkhwanazi.
According to police, Thandolwethu’s mother, Ayanda Ngwenyama, reported her missing on Tuesday, 11 November.
“It is alleged that the child went to her father’s house and did not return home. Members of the community joined in the search throughout the night but were unsuccessful in finding her,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
The following morning, Ngwenyama received a chilling message from an unknown cellphone number demanding R30,000 allegedly money owed by the child’s father in exchange for the little girl’s safety.
Police traced the number to the Botleng area, and several loan sharks were questioned as part of the investigation. However, no progress was made. At about 7:30am on Wednesday, a neighbour made the horrific discovery when he noticed small legs protruding from beneath rubble behind a shack while cleaning his yard. Authorities were immediately alerted, and the child was confirmed dead at the scene.
Police have opened a case of murder and are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. “The suspects remain unknown at this stage. We urge anyone who may have information to come forward,” said Ndubane.
