Lephalale Mother and Two Sons Vanish Without a Trace as Police Probe Months-Long Disappearance
POLOKWANE – A growing mystery has gripped the Limpopo town of Lephalale after a mother and her two young sons disappeared under circumstances that police say remain unclear, sparking fears and urgent efforts to locate the family.
Police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of 37-year-old Phindile Ntombifuthi Phalatse and her two children, Lebone Abongwe Phalatse (12) and Lethabo Zemvelo Phalatse (7), who have not been seen for months.
The case has raised troubling questions after investigators uncovered a series of unusual developments surrounding the family’s sudden disappearance.
Family’s Silence Raises Alarm
According to police, family members last had contact with Phalatse and her two sons in January 2026. As weeks turned into months, growing concern spread among relatives who repeatedly attempted to reach the family without success.
The situation took a dramatic turn on 13 June 2026 when a concerned relative travelled to the family’s home in Onverwacht, Lephalale, to check on their welfare.
What they discovered only deepened the mystery.
Neighbours reportedly told the relative that they had last seen the mother and her two children around March 2026. Since then, there had been no sign of the family.
Missing Vehicle Adds to Mystery
Preliminary police investigations revealed that one of the family’s vehicles remained parked at the residence. However, a Ford Kuga believed to belong to the family was no longer on the property and is now considered missing.
Investigators are working to determine whether the vehicle’s disappearance is linked to the family’s whereabouts.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any sightings of the vehicle have been reported elsewhere in the country.
Troubling Details Emerge
Further enquiries uncovered additional concerns.
Police established that Phalatse had reportedly resigned from her job in June 2024. Investigators also found that the two children had not attended school since November 2025.
The timeline has left investigators attempting to piece together what happened in the months leading up to the family’s disappearance.
At this stage, police have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. However, enquiry dockets have been opened as detectives work to establish exactly when the family vanished and what circumstances led to their disappearance.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
Police are urging anyone who may have information about the whereabouts of Phalatse and her two sons to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Mambo Nndwamato on 071 511 4310 or 079 765 8761. Information can also be reported to the nearest police station, through Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or via the MySAPS App.
As investigators continue to follow leads, a family remains desperate for answers and a community is left wondering what happened to a mother and her two young children who seemingly vanished without a trace.
Police investigations are continuing.
