A team of forensic experts are heading out to Delft on Tuesday to do a sweep of the home of little Linathi Titshala, nine, who has been missing for a month.
The child turned nine on Friday, 14 December, and her family held a party for her on 15 December and she slept at her grandmother’s house in Cork Tree Street, Thubelitsha, just two doors away from her parents’ home.
On Sunday morning she was sent home to wash but she never arrived.
That was the last time anyone saw the little girl alive.
Since then the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU), Walking Buses from across the Cape Flats, various police forums, neighbourhood watches and the Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum have searched tirelessly for the girl, following every lead they could find.
Together the teams have searched bushes, homes of neighbours and an informal settlement close by.
They also went to the homes of her friends and classmates, searching as far as Eindhoven.
Police say there has been no sign of the child, while WCMPU chairperson Candice Sobotker says she is not ready to throw in the towel yet.
“This child has been missing for so long, we are worried, but at the same time we are hopeful that we will find something soon,” Candice says.
Linathi was wearing black skinny jeans, a grey top with laces at the back and black slippers.
Anyone with information can contact investigating officer Nomabandla Kolweni, on 084 498 0696 or Delft police on 021 954 9000.