By: Talent Buthelezi

The police have put an end to the long mystery tale of lost children.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that the news of missing children in townships is a hoax. “We want to confirm to the community that there are no such incidents that have occurred and members of the community should stop spreading these rumors verbally or electronically,” said police spokesperson Captain Thulani Zwane in a statement to the media.

According to Ilanga Newspaper on May 25, a missing 14-year-old Sihle Mphumulo was found dead in Clermont. The young boy and his friends were playing when the area experienced a power shortage. He was later recovered dead in a bush after he had being missing for a week.

Nompumelelo Shange a resident of the area said, “The community is now confused, the police are telling us not to worry however we have experienced children missing from our area and later being recovered dead. The police must investigate this matter thoroughly.”

In townships such as Clermont and Hammersdale, the situation of missing children was not a hoax but an actual occurrence; however the police have confirmed that in other townships, in particularly Umlazi, this was merely a rumour that went viral to neighbouring townships including Folweni and KwaMakhutha.

The MEC for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, Weziwe Thusi said, “I have been following reports and I must say that I am shocked that people can start such rumours. It is uncalled for and unnecessary. What saddens me is that these reports are causing panic in the community.”