SA: Search continues for missing Zimbabwean teen; 13-year-old not seen in ten days

By The Citizen

SOUTH AFRICA: THE family of a Zimbabwean teenager, Tadiwanashe Derera (13), is urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating their son, who has been missing for a week.

Tadiwanashe, hailing from Montclair, was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket, black pants adorned with red stripes and black slops.

Ruth Chitimbe, the family’s spokesperson, said, “His mother is overwhelmed with anguish. Despite exhaustive searches, Tadiwanashe remains missing. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward. He is the oldest of three siblings.”

Having only arrived in South Africa from Zimbabwe a month prior, his absence compounds the family’s anxiety.

Citing data from the Missing Children South Africa website reveals a troubling reality where children vanish daily, with an alarming frequency of one disappearance every five hours within South Africa.

Although the organisation’s statistics show a 77% success rate in locating missing children, a distressing 23% remain unaccounted for, falling victim to trafficking or tragically discovered deceased.

Individuals possessing any relevant information are urged to contact Bertha Marecha on 067 792 9077, Moreblessing on 068 273 8368, Gladstone on 064 258 2208, or the nearest police station.