MISSING TEENAGER FOUND DEAD IN LAKE AT RELELA VILLAGE
TZANEEN: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tzaneen has opened an inquest after the body of an 18-year-old teenager, who had been missing for several days, was discovered in a lake at Relela village in Bolobedu South, Mopani District.
The deceased has been identified as Ntshuxeko Mhlongo, a resident of Relela village.
Mhlongo was reported missing by his family on Thursday, 3 September 2026, after he allegedly failed to return home from Fobeni High School in Thapane village.
According to preliminary police information, the teenager was allegedly chased by a group of approximately 10 boys while making his way home from school on the day he disappeared.
His disappearance prompted his family to report the matter at Tzaneen Police Station, where a missing-person enquiry was registered. Search efforts were subsequently launched to locate him.
A search-and-rescue team was mobilised to the area where Mhlongo was last seen. During the operation, his body was discovered in a lake.
His family was called to the scene and positively identified the body as that of the missing teenager.
Police and other relevant stakeholders attended the scene, while the circumstances surrounding Mhlongo’s death remain under investigation.
SAPS said an inquest docket has been opened as investigators work to establish how the teenager ended up in the lake and the circumstances that led to his death.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation to come forward.
Information can be reported to Tzaneen Police Station or the nearest police station. Members of the public can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
The investigation remains ongoing.
