A joyful trip to Pretoria’s Lucas Moripe Stadium has turned into a nightmare for one family after a 16-year-old boy, **Mpendulo Mashiane**, went missing on Saturday evening. The teenager, who had traveled from Nelspruit’s Engodini area with a group of friends, was last seen inside the stadium during the highly anticipated clash between **Orlando Pirates FC** and **Mamelodi Sundowns FC** in Atteridgeville.
The Disappearance
According to reports, Mpendulo was one of 16 boys who traveled together from Nelspruit to Pretoria to watch the game. Everything appeared normal until just before the penalty shootout. Witnesses claim that Mpendulo excused himself, saying he was heading to the restroom. His friend Boitumelo explained that Mpendulo had left his cellphone with another friend, Thapelo, for safekeeping during the match. Sadly, he never returned and has not been seen since.
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Security personnel and patrolling teams immediately conducted searches inside and around the stadium, but their efforts yielded no results. Police have since joined the search, urging anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
A Mother’s Anguish
The disappearance has left Mpendulo’s mother, **Emelia Mashiane**, heartbroken and furious. In a deeply emotional response, she expressed anger towards her son’s friends, particularly Thapelo, whom she accuses of encouraging Mpendulo to attend the trip against her wishes.
According to Emelia, she had clearly instructed that her son should not take part in the excursion. She revealed that she had even confiscated his monthly school allowance of R500 to prevent him from secretly paying for the trip. Despite this, she alleges that his friends convinced him to join them while she was away attending a funeral vigil.
“I want my son back. If he is not found, I will take matters into my own hands,” Emelia said, her grief turning into threats of violence against those she holds responsible. She further recalled a troubled past, claiming that she has already faced prison before and would not hesitate to do so again if anything happens to her only child.
Troubling Background
Community members who know the family revealed that Emelia has a history of violent behavior. Sources claim she once stabbed another woman during a dispute over a partner nearly a decade ago, though she allegedly did not serve significant jail time. These revelations have raised concerns about the escalating emotions surrounding Mpendulo’s disappearance.
Search Efforts Continue
Despite the tense emotions, the community of Atteridgeville, together with local law enforcement, continues to search for the missing teenager. Police have urged calm and cooperation, emphasizing that the priority is to locate Mpendulo safe and alive.
Mpendulo’s disappearance has shocked both his home community in Engodini and the broader football-loving public, as stadium safety once again comes into sharp focus.
As the search intensifies, family, friends, and well-wishers cling to hope that the young boy will be found unharmed and reunited with his loved ones.
