Police seek public assistance to find missing Mpumalanga nurse

Police in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, have launched a search for a 35-year-old male nurse, Armstrong Monareng, who has been missing since 15 October 2025. Authorities are appealing to members of the public to assist in locating him.

According to Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula, Monareng, who lives in Violetbank near Bushbuckridge, was last seen when he left home to report for duty at Dwarsloop Clinic, where he is employed as a nurse.

“He never returned home and has not been seen or heard from since. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing his work uniform,” said Magagula.

Police are urging anyone with information that could help trace Monareng’s whereabouts to contact Warrant Officer Busisiwe Dlamini on 082 056 9507, or to call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously through the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous,” Magagula added.

The disappearance has raised renewed concern about the high number of missing persons reported across South Africa each year. According to police statistics, more than 2,500 missing persons cases were investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2023 alone. Alarmingly, it is estimated that a child goes missing every few hours in the country.

The provinces with the highest number of missing person reports are Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The SAPS urges families to report missing persons immediately, stressing that there is no waiting period required before opening a case.

Specialised SAPS units work closely with non-governmental organisations such as Missing Children South Africa, which helps families by creating awareness, sharing information on social media, and assisting with the official reporting process. 

The organisation also educates communities on preventive measures and offers support to affected families. Authorities continue to appeal to the public to remain vigilant and to assist wherever possible in finding missing persons like Monareng. Members of the community are encouraged to share any information that may help police in their ongoing investigations.

Monareng’s family, friends, and colleagues at Dwarsloop Clinic are hoping for his safe return.