A search is underway for a nine-month-old baby who disappeared while in the care of her father in Nyanga earlier this month.  

The Pink Ladies Organisation called on the public to help trace the missing infant, identified as Melokuhle Mahiapelo Ngcakaza, who was last seen in the Thabo Mbeki Squatter Camp on 6 October. 

According to the organisation, Melokuhle was last seen at her father’s shack. In its statement on social media below, the 33-year-old father is accused of contravening a court order by escaping with the child. He was allegedly last seen in Delft. 

Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that an investigation is underway in this regard.  

Swartbooi said that on the day of the incident, the child’s mother had reportedly visited the father’s home when “an argument erupted and the mother had to flee”. Swartbooi noted that the father then kept the child. 

Two days later, on 8 October, the mother registered an enquiry for further investigation. Police have since launched a search. 

“The investigating officer is pursuing all the available leads in order to ensure a breakthrough to find the child,” said Swartbooi. 

The Pink Ladies Organisation continues to appeal to the public to assist in the search and has urged anyone with information to come forward. 

Locals who may have seen the baby or the man are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, Lt Col Taylor on 0823018950 or 021 376 9855.

The Pink Ladies has also made its contact details available at 072 214 7439 on WhatsApp.