Police say it appears as if missing 16-year-old Galeshewe teenager is not willing to return home and is apparently aware that she is being sought
THE POLICE have requested members of the community to assist in tracking down 16-year-old Kelebogile Mbi, who was last seen on January 15. She has not returned home since then.
Kelebogile, who lives in China Square, Galeshewe, apparently left her home with a 25-year-old female friend, known as Kamo, three weeks ago.
A missing person’s docket was opened by the Witdam police on Tuesday, February 9.
Police spokesperson Captain Bashoabile Kale said that the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit activated a search team and they have been looking for Kelebogile, who is believed to be moving around Bloemanda and Roodepan and has also apparently been spotted at the Indian Centre.
“According to information, Kelebogile is with Kamo and a male Nigerian friend,” said Kale, adding that it appears as if Kelebogile is not willing to return home and is apparently aware that she is being sought.
According to the missing teen’s aunt, Ntombizandile Qunta, Kelebogile was left in the care of her grandparents after her mother died a few years ago.
“On the day that she left (Friday, January 15), she left a message for her grandmother, who was at work, stating that she was visiting her uncle. The next day (Saturday), the grandmother contacted the uncle to confirm her whereabouts but was told she never arrived,” said Qunta.
Kelebogile is expected to start Grade 8 next week when schools reopen and has never spent a night away from home before.
The family claims that the police initially refused to open a missing person’s case.
“When her grandfather went to open a case the police told him that many cases of missing teenagers have been opened before, but that the teenager usually returns home in a day or two.”
The family is concerned that Kelebogile might have come into contact with the “wrong people”, while her grandmother indicated that she had to “rescue” Kelebogile from a “wrong” group of friends, in the presence of Kamo, the day before they disappeared.
“I found them smoking dagga and okka pipe with a notorious group in Santa. My worst fear is that she might be hooked and is afraid to return home,” her grandmother said.
Anyone with information that can assist the police can contact the investigating officer, Captain Sabata Tsiu of the Galeshewe FCS, on 082 874 4613 or 053 807 6262.
