"THANDEKA, please come back home!"
This is a plea by 14-year-old Thandeka Ndzove's grandparents from Eden Park in Ekurhuleni.
Thandeka went missing on 30 March when she left home to sell samoosas at a local church over the Easter weekend in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, and never returned home.
According to her gogo, Nokuthula Nkwinika (50), her absence has left a void and caused the family sleepless nights.
"When she left, she was happy and said she would use the money from the sale of samosas to buy toiletries for herself," said gogo.
"We were happy for her for showing responsibility and eagerness to be a hustler."
Nokuthula said it pains her that all along they thought something might have happened to Thandeka but to their surprise, she was reported safe.
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Her grandfather, Piet Nkwinika (68) said they posted Thandeka's photos in local WhatsApp groups.
"We've been receiving calls that she's alive and have been seen at night around local spaza shops in Katlehong, Eden Park and Palm Ridge in Ekurhuleni. Sadly, we don't know why she decided not to come back home. Her disappearing act has affected in a bad way. She's also not attending to school," Piet said.
The madala said the family was told that Thandeka has seen wearing school uniform and sneakers in and around Katlehong.
"We went to her school, only to be told she hasn't been attending since the reopening after the Easter break.
"All we're asking is Thandeka to come back home. We're worried something bad might happen to her," said Piet.
Police spokeswoman, Captain Neldah Sekgobela said a missing person case has been opened at Eden Park Police Station.
Anyone with information on Thandeka's whereabouts is asked to come forward or call the crime stop on 08600 10111 or the Eden Park police client service centre on 011 960 0064.
