The police have decided to offer a reward to anyone who can furnish them with information regarding the whereabouts of the 11-year-old Theophilus Tshivhi of Madombidzha who went missing at Maname in Nzhelele in January this year.

The provincial police are offering R25 000 to anyone who can furnish them with information that can lead to the recovery of the missing boy.

When Theophilus disappeared on 17 January, he had gone to Maname in the company of his sangoma neighbour, Ms Elisabeth Ramaremela (60), her husband Johannes, Sello Tlhaoele (21), and two other sangomas, Ms Alilali Ndou (81) and Ntakuseni Ndou (32).

The sangomas had gone to the area to collect traditional herbs and plants. They were subsequently arrested and charged with the kidnapping of the boy, but were later released as the director of public prosecution cited that there was no evidence linking them to the case.

The case was reopened, following the intervention by the provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Simon Mpembe, who promised to re-investigate the case, during his recent visit to the Tshivhi family.

Now the police are appealing to anyone who knows what had happened to the boy to come forward. Siloam police spokesperson W/O Edward Tharaga said that anyone with information can contact the police or visit their police offices at Siloam. "Anyone who reveals the necessary information will be rewarded," he said.

The missing boy's father, Takalani Mabusha, said that the family was happy about the new developments. "The re-investigation of the case has brought hope to us. We are happy that the provincial commissioner is a man of his word. We can see that the case is continuing," he said.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Capt TR Ndou at 082 807 2666 or Maj MJ Matamela at 082 414 3939.