LIMPOPO – The search for 13-year-old Sabatha Emmy Lebea has come to a peaceful conclusion.
After a week of agonizing uncertainty for her family and the Moshakga Village community, authorities have confirmed that the Grade 9 learner has been located and is safe.
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Sabatha, a student at Tshweni High School, was first reported missing on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
She was last seen at her school’s reception area in the morning hours, wearing her school uniform.
When she failed to return home that afternoon, her mother, Gladys Kedibone Lebea, raised the alarm, sparking a widespread search effort coordinated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Bolobedu.
A Community United
The disappearance of the young teenager sent ripples of concern through the Mopani District.
For several days, social media platforms were flooded with Sabatha’s photograph, and local radio stations, including Perfect Radio, kept the community updated on the search.
Neighbors and community members joined forces with the police, scouring local areas and sharing information in hopes of a breakthrough.
The Bolobedu SAPS, led by investigating officers, worked around the clock to follow up on leads and sightings reported by the public.
The Moment of Recovery
Details regarding the exact circumstances of how Sabatha was found have been kept private to respect the family’s transition and the ongoing welfare of the minor.
However, police officials confirmed that she was reunited with her family over the weekend.
While the physical search has ended, standard procedures following the recovery of a missing child are underway. This typically includes:
• Medical Assessments: Ensuring the child’s physical health is intact.
• Debriefing: Interviews with social workers or specialized police units to understand the timeline of the disappearance.
• Support Services: Providing the family with counseling to navigate the emotional aftermath of the event.
A Mother’s Gratitude
Gladys Lebea, who had previously made emotional public pleas for her daughter’s return, expressed immense relief.
The family has thanked the South African Police Service, local community leaders, and the thousands of citizens who shared Sabatha’s poster online.
“We are just grateful to have her back home,” a family representative stated. “The support from the community was our strength during these dark days.”
Moving Forward
The SAPS has used this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of the importance of immediate reporting in missing persons cases.
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In South Africa, there is no waiting period to report a person missing.
As Sabatha Emmy Lebea begins the process of returning to her normal life and her studies at Tshweni High School, the Bolobedu community celebrates a rare and happy ending to a situation that often ends in tragedy.
