Five school-going children between the age of eight and 18 have mysteriously disappeared in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane and Emganwini suburbs leaving residents terrified, it has emerged.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
Police have confirmed that since February this year the following children have disappeared: Winnie Museredzo (14) of Nkulumane 12, Nontobeko Yolanda Nkomo (10) a Grade 6 pupil at Mgoqo Primary School, Arlington Shereni (15), Thabo Ncube (18) and Cyril Ndlovu (15) — all of Emganwini.
Police have since appealed to city residents to assist with information on the whereabouts of the missing children.
A survey by Southern Eye yesterday revealed that the disappearances have left residents terrified.
“This is very scary and as parents, we don’t even know what to do,” Leonard Mhlanga of Lobengula West said. “We wonder what is taking place in Bulawayo. It is even hard for the police to investigate the cases because of lack of evidence.”
Nomathemba Ndlovu of Emganwini said they were now living in fear and urged the police to “do whatever within their means to arrest the situation”.
Her sentiments were echoed by Ntombiyezansi Siwetshe who said the police should beef up security especially during the night.
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“These cases are hard to break given that those children are almost grown up. It is hard to control the movements of a 14-year-old child,” she said.
Nathaniel Ncube, a Nkulumane 12 resident, said police should investigate parents of the missing children because some might have information on disappearances of their children.
Charity Mpofu was of the view that Satanism had invaded Bulawayo.
“We are now living in fear because we don’t know whether the disappearances are due to Satanism or those children have gone somewhere,” Mpofu said.
According to police, Museredzo is medium built, about 1,4 metres tall and dark in complexion. She was last seen at around 5.50pm on June 9 after she told family members that she was going to collect a textbook at a friend’s place.
Shereni was last seen wearing a white vest, brown tracksuit bottom and blue shoes.
Ndlovu was last seen on March 1 at around 8:30am wearing a green T-shirt, black track bottom and Adidas sports shoes.
Nkomo is medium built, about 1,2m tall and dark in complexion. She was last seen on May 28 wearing a bottle green pair of trousers, bottle green jersey, bottle green blouse, black shoes, green socks and a green woolen hat. She was carrying a pink and grey satchel. She was last seen at around 9am.
Police have said anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing children should contact nearest police station or alternatively Call ZRP Nkulumane on landline 09-481145, use toll free numbers 110 and 999 or contact cops on WhatsApp numbers 0776 097 122 and 0717 922 398.
