The police in the Free State continue with their search for two missing young males, one being a teenage boy. According to the police, Jaden Swarts (17) and Andile Petrus Zungulwa (20) went missing days apart, on 24 and 28 June.
Swarts reportedly went missing from the Charlotte Theron Children’s Home in Bethlehem, an institution looking after orphaned and needy children. Zungulwa reportedly went missing at a local initiation school in Theunissen during attack by an unknown armed group.
The police are appealing the public to assist finding the pair. Their whereabouts are still unknown.
Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State polices, said Andile’s aunt reported him missing at the Theunissen police station on Thursday, 3 July, after receiving information that he went missing from the initiation school.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 27 June, a group of males attacked initiates and teachers at the school. A visitor was stabbed and subsequently hospitalised. Upon witnessing the stabbing, the initiates fled the scene for their safety. While most initiates later regrouped and returned, Andile was discovered missing the morning of the following day. Andile was last seen wearing a blue blanket,” said Kareli.
He said the frantic search for Andile has been beefed-up by the police’s Vala Umgodi combat and proactive teams.
Members of the public with information can contact the investigative officers or the nearest police stations in Bethlehem and Theunissen. Regarding Swarts, contact Bethlehem Detective Commander, Lt Col Marius Nel on 082 526 2717. For Andile contact Theunissen Sgt Beoane on 083 411 0240. Alternatively, contact the Saps Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App.
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