Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE search for two missing Bulawayo siblings, five-year-old Nkosana Smile Sibanda and his 10-year-old sister Shauna, remains ongoing as police intensify investigations and continue following up on fresh leads in a case that has gripped the nation.
Authorities are also searching for the children’s father, Smile Sibanda, amid growing concern over the circumstances surrounding the pair’s disappearance.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and rely solely on official communication channels for updates, warning against the spread of unverified information on social media.
The disappearance of the children has sent shockwaves through Bulawayo and beyond since late May after their father allegedly collected them for what was believed to be a routine weekend visit.
Concern escalated after reports emerged that the father allegedly sent a series of disturbing messages and a distressing video to the children’s mother, raising fears over the safety and whereabouts of the youngsters.
Since then, police, family members and concerned residents have joined efforts to locate the siblings, with the case attracting widespread public attention and prompting calls for anyone with information to come forward.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele recently confirmed that investigations were continuing and appealed to members of the public to assist police with any information that could help locate the children.
Search efforts have involved tracking possible movements and verifying numerous reports received from members of the public.
Police said every lead was being thoroughly investigated as authorities work around the clock to establish the whereabouts of the children and their father.
The case has generated an outpouring of support from communities across Zimbabwe, with citizens sharing missing persons’ notices on social media platforms and offering assistance to the affected family.
Child rights advocates have also expressed concern over the matter, stressing the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that custody-related disputes are handled through legal channels.
The disappearance comes at a time when authorities have been calling for increased community participation in reporting cases involving vulnerable children, noting that timely information often plays a critical role in successful rescue operations.
Family members have continued to appeal for information that could lead to the safe return of Nkosana and Shauna, describing the period since their disappearance as one of immense anguish and uncertainty.
Police have reiterated that members of the public with actionable information should immediately contact law enforcement authorities.
“Anyone with information that may assist investigations can contact ZRP Njube directly on (0292) 412096 or report to the nearest police station,” said police.
Police have assured the public that the search remains active and that all available resources are being deployed to locate the missing children and bring clarity to a case that has left many Zimbabweans anxiously awaiting answers.
