The disappearance of six-year-old Junior Mabandla has caused rising tensions in the Pienaar township, Mpumalanga, as the search for the missing child continues.
Pienaar community rattled by disappearance of Junior Mabandla
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The Pienaar community has been gripped by unrest as residents demand more substantial support from the police in the ongoing search for six-year-old Junior Mabandla.
The boy was last seen on Monday, and since then, the community has been actively involved in searching for him.
Frustration over what is perceived as insufficient police efforts has led residents to block access roads, significantly disrupting local activities including schooling and public transportation.
The community and police have been conducting extensive searches since his disappearance was reported, but their efforts have yet to yield any positive results.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli confirmed that police sniffer dogs were deployed but unfortunately did not bring about any significant findings.
What happened to Junior Mabandla?
Junior’s father, Solly Mabandla, recounted that Junior went out to play with other children after returning from school on Monday. He was last seen heading towards a nearby shop to buy sweets but did not reach his destination.
He was last seen wearing a blue jersey and black trousers.
Junior’s disappearance has sparked widespread concern and mobilisation within the community, with residents determined to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find him.
The police have appealed to anyone with information to contact local authorities.