The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has intensified its search for Mabanti Nimrod Mandlasi, a 61-year-old man from Masana Village in Bushbuckridge, who went missing on October 28, 2024. Following initial search efforts by Mandlasi’s family and community members, the case was reported to the SAPS in Bushbuckridge, prompting a full-scale search operation in collaboration with local residents.
Mandlasi was last seen around his home in Masana Village. After several days of unfruitful searching, concerned family members decided to alert the authorities, leading to a formal search operation. In response, the SAPS deployed a joint team that includes members from the K9 Unit, Visible Policing, Detective Services, and the SAPS Search and Rescue unit. They have been actively combing through areas where Mandlasi was known to frequent, but so far, he remains missing.
On November 4, 2024, the SAPS search team, working alongside members of the community, spent hours in the bush terrain, covering as much ground as possible in the hope of finding him alive. The police, alongside their specially trained K9 dogs, focused on areas where Mandlasi often went hunting. According to family and friends, hunting was a common activity for him, so search efforts have prioritized these familiar locations. However, despite this thorough search, no traces of him have been found.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for any information that may assist in locating him. Detective Lieutenant Colonel Busisiwe Kunene, who is leading the investigation, has asked that anyone with details about Mandlasi’s potential whereabouts come forward. She emphasized that all information will be treated confidentially, and the public can provide tips anonymously if preferred.
Individuals who may have seen Mandlasi or have any clues that might aid the search are encouraged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Kunene directly at 082 422 8198. Alternatively, community members can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPSAPP to submit tips. All calls and messages will be handled with discretion, and identities of informants will be protected.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his appreciation for the community’s collaboration, noting that such efforts demonstrate the strength of community partnerships. He reassured the public that the SAPS will continue the search until all leads are exhausted and Mr. Mandlasi is found.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available, and SAPS remains committed to doing everything possible to locate Mandlasi and bring him home safely.
