A community in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, has been left deeply shaken following the disappearance of a five-year-old Grade R pupil who went missing after attending her first day of school. Emihle Mavundla was last seen on Wednesday after school hours when she failed to return home from Verulam Primary School, marking a heartbreaking start to what should have been a joyful milestone in her young life.
According to information provided by the family, Emihle attended her first day of Grade R at Verulam Primary School, situated on Russom Street. Like many parents, her mother waited anxiously at a designated drop-off point near their home in the Mhlasini area, expecting the scholar transport to bring her daughter back safely. However, when the transport vehicle arrived, Emihle was not inside.
Concern quickly turned into panic as the driver of the scholar transport informed the family that he had not picked up Emihle after school. Realising something was seriously wrong, Emihle’s mother immediately contacted the owner of the scholar transport service. Together, they rushed back to Verulam Primary School to search for the child, hoping she may still be on the premises.
Despite searching the school grounds and making enquiries, Emihle could not be located. School authorities were alerted, and efforts were made to retrace her movements, but no clear answers were found. It is now suspected that, due to it being her first day of school, Emihle may have mistakenly boarded the wrong scholar transport after school, possibly becoming disoriented or dropped off at an unfamiliar location.
At the time of her disappearance, Emihle was wearing her Verulam Primary School uniform. She is described as a five-year-old girl with a dark complexion, big black eyes, and a chubby build. Her young age and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance have raised serious concerns for her safety.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has been notified and is assisting with the search for the missing child. The case has also sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and community members, highlighting the vulnerability of young children, particularly on their first days of school when routines are still unfamiliar.
Authorities and community safety organisations are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to assist in any way possible. Anyone who may have seen Emihle, or who has information that could help trace her whereabouts, is strongly encouraged to come forward.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) immediately on 086 1234 333. Every minute counts, and even the smallest detail could be crucial in ensuring Emihle’s safe return.
The family has appealed to the community to share Emihle’s information widely, hoping that increased awareness will lead to her being found. As the search continues, the thoughts and prayers of the Verulam community — and the nation at large — are with Emihle and her loved ones during this distressing time.