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A 14-year-old boy from Tekamahala, Bushbuckridge, has gone missing after a heated exchange with his stepfather on Tuesday night. The boy, identified as Manqoba Buthelezi, was last seen leaving home around 9:30 p.m. after his stepfather allegedly told him to “go back to where he’s coming from.”
According to family sources, the argument began when Manqoba returned home late, claiming he had been at soccer practice. His stepfather, Mike Siwela, reportedly confronted him for coming home past curfew and, in frustration, told him to leave.
Manqoba walked out — and has not been seen since.
Mike told Bushbuckridge Media that his words were meant as a form of discipline, not rejection. “When I sent him back, it wasn’t out of hate,” he said. “I just wanted to teach him respect — to show him that he cannot do as he pleases in this house. But after a few minutes, when I realised he hadn’t returned, I went out looking for him. I searched the entire village, but he was nowhere to be found.”
The incident has shaken the Tekamahala community, prompting widespread concern and a joint search effort by residents and police.
Mother Speaks Out
Manqoba’s mother, Nonhlanhla, confirmed that a missing person’s case was opened early Wednesday morning. She described her son as a “hard-headed but loving” boy who often tested boundaries at home.
“Manqoba has a habit of walking at night even after being warned many times,” she said. “Mike has been patient with him. People must stop blaming my husband — he’s been raising this child as his own for nine years. This isn’t about hate; it’s about a child who doesn’t listen.”
She added that she, too, had previously told Manqoba to go back to his biological family after repeated arguments, but Mike had always defended him. “Last week, I said the same thing in anger, but Mike told me to forgive him. Now this happens. My heart is heavy,” she said.
Community Joins Search
Residents of Tekamahala have joined forces to search nearby bush paths, soccer fields, and abandoned buildings. Some community members say they last saw a boy matching Manqoba’s description walking alone toward the main road that leads out of the village.
Local councillor Sifiso Dlamini urged the public to stay alert. “This is a young life we’re talking about. Whatever happened at home, no one deserves to disappear like this. We are calling on anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
Police confirmed they are treating the case as a missing person investigation. Search teams have been deployed across surrounding villages, and officers are combing through CCTV footage from nearby shops and filling stations.
Description of the Missing Boy
Manqoba was last seen wearing a blue Adidas tracksuit and black Cavella shoes. He has short, grooved black hair, is light in complexion, and wears a ring on his left middle finger. He left his cellphone at home, making it difficult for family or authorities to track his location.
Family friend Thulani Maseko described Manqoba as a quiet but active teenager who loved football and music. “He’s just a kid trying to figure himself out. It breaks my heart to think he’s out there somewhere, maybe scared or lost,” Maseko said.
Tensions and Regret
As the search enters its second day, emotions are running high. Some villagers have criticised Mike’s decision to send the boy out late at night, saying the punishment was too harsh. Others have defended him, calling it a moment of anger that any parent could experience.
“I regret how things went,” Mike admitted. “I wish I had just talked to him instead. I didn’t mean for him to leave for real. I thought he’d just walk outside and come back after cooling off.”
The police have urged residents not to spread unverified rumours or assumptions online, warning that misinformation could hinder the investigation.
Appeal for Information
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have seen Manqoba after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday to contact the nearest police station or reach out to Bushbuckridge Media.
“Every hour counts,” said Sergeant Makhubela, who is leading the case. “If you’ve seen a young boy fitting this description, even briefly, please call us. Your information could be what helps bring him home.”
As the sun sets over Tekamahala for the second night since his disappearance, the small community holds its breath — waiting for any sign of the missing boy.
For now, what began as a household argument has turned into a desperate search — and a painful reminder of how quickly words spoken in anger can change everything.
Anyone with information can contact Bushbuckridge Police Station or call Bushbuckridge Media.
