Delmas Seven-Year-Old Found Murdered After R30,000 Ransom Demand

Police in Delmas have launched a manhunt after the body of seven-year-old Thandolwethu Mahlangu was discovered in Delpark Extension 2 on Wednesday morning.

This follows a R30,000 ransom demand sent to her mother just a day after the child was reported missing.

Ransom Text Sent to Mother Before Body Found

According to police, Thandolwethu’s mother, Ms Ngwenyama, reported her missing on 11 November 2025, after the child failed to return home the previous evening.

The little girl had reportedly gone to visit her father around 6pm on 10 November — but never came back.

The following morning, Ms Ngwenyama received a chilling text message from an unknown number demanding R30,000 in exchange for her daughter’s safe return.

The message claimed the ransom was for money allegedly owed by the child’s father.

Police immediately launched a search, tracing the number to the Botleng area, and questioned several loan sharks believed to be connected to the case — but no arrests were made.

Delmas Community in Shock as Police Hunt Killers

At around 7:30am on Wednesday, the desperate search came to a tragic end when Thandolwethu’s lifeless body was found in Delpark Extension 2.

Authorities have since appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the arrest of those responsible.

Anyone with tips is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Victor Dibakoane on 079 268 0040, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“All information will be treated in strict confidence,” police said. “Callers may remain anonymous.”

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