Hawks say no leads after 21 months in search for four missing Ntabankulu cousins

Twenty-one months after four young cousins disappeared from their home in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) say they have no new leads in the case.

Family still waiting for answers

The children Sive, aged seven, and Oyintando, Thabisile and Thabile Siganga, all aged four were last seen on 10 November 2024 playing in the yard of their family homestead at the Mjila Administrative Area in Ntabankulu. Their disappearance prompted the immediate opening of a kidnapping case.

Hawks report no breakthrough

When IOL contacted the Hawks in the Eastern Cape about the status of the investigation after it was transferred to the unit, Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said:

“No new development at all.”

The Hawks said investigators have carried out multiple interventions, including intelligence-driven enquiries, inter-provincial follow-ups, community engagements and analysis of information received, and that the unit embarked upon an “exhaustive and relentless pursuit of every available and possible lead.”

Reward increased to R1 million and public appeal

The Eastern Cape Missing Persons and Trafficking Unit increased an initial R300,000 reward to R1,000,000 for information that leads to the successful rescue of the four children. On its Facebook page the unit said:

“Bring back the kids.”

The Hawks reiterated an urgent appeal to community and civic structures, media houses, faith-based organisations and members of the public to assist in amplifying the appeal and to come forward with information, saying:

“Their disappearance simultaneously elevates this matter to a level of exceptional concern and urgency.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Unit Commander of Serious Organised Crime, Colonel Raymond Buys, on 082 301 1133, or Warrant Officer Norton Ndabambi on 082 559 4613. Information can also be provided at any South African Police Service station or reported anonymously through the #MySAPSApp. The Hawks said:

“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Members of the public are encouraged to come forward without delay, as even the smallest piece of information may prove decisive in advancing the investigation.”

Emotional impact and support services

Childline South Africa Eastern Cape director Okuhle Mdodana described the deep and lasting harm caused when children remain missing for extended periods. Mdodana said families live “in a state of suspended grief” and listed psychological and practical difficulties that follow prolonged disappearances, including anxiety, depression, disrupted routines and financial pressures.

Mdodana said Childline provides psychosocial support and counselling and urged stronger family-support services and community vigilance. She said:

“Children are most at risk when they are unsupervised for periods, when caregivers face extreme hardship, or when warning signs of grooming or unusual behaviour by known adults are overlooked.”

Childline also encouraged the public to use its free, confidential 24-hour helpline, 116, if they have concerns about a child.

Where the case stands

More than a year and a half after the cousins vanished, investigators say the circumstances of the disappearance continue to perplex officers. The Hawks have asked anyone with information that could assist in establishing what happened to come forward.