Body of Missing Tshepisong Toddler Identified as Mojalefa Savhuli
JOHANNESBURG – A heartbreaking development has shaken the community of Tshepisong, west of Johannesburg, after the body of a missing three-year-old boy was discovered in a local stream and later positively identified as Mojalefa Savhuli.
Mojalefa Savhuli missing since Thursday
The toddler had been missing since Sunday, when he was last seen playing at a sports field near his family home. His disappearance triggered a widespread search effort by residents, who tirelessly combed the area for days, frustrated by what they described as a lack of urgency from authorities.
On Thursday, community members made the grim discovery when they spotted a small body in a nearby stream. The child’s family was called to the scene and later confirmed the worst—that it was indeed Mojalefa Savhuli.
The atmosphere in the area has been tense, with many residents expressing anger and grief, accusing the police of responding too slowly and not mobilising enough resources during the crucial early hours of the child’s disappearance.
“People here are hurt, they feel let down,” said one community leader. “We were the ones searching day and night. It didn’t feel like the police took this seriously.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the recovery of the body and stated that an inquest docket has been opened to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
“At this stage, we are treating the matter as an inquest while we await the results of a post-mortem to determine the cause of death,” said Masondo.
The incident has reignited discussions about child safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in missing persons cases, particularly those involving young children in under-resourced communities.
Supporters and neighbours have begun organising a memorial vigil for Mojalefa Savhuli, as calls grow for a full investigation into not only how the child died, but also how his disappearance was handled by authorities.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development is also expected to provide psychological support to the grieving family and traumatised community members.
Source: EWN
