Ladysmith, Newcastle and PMB Search and Rescue assisted by members of the Bergville SAPS, led by LT Col Asheena Ramlagan spent Monday morning, 4 October, searching the murky waters of the Woodstock Dam in Bergville.
The search party spent hours searching the waters and the nearby field after four-year-old Asimdumise Phungwayo went missing. Friends and family of Asimdumise searched along the open field and banks since he disappeared on Sunday afternoon, 3 October. “We searched until four on Monday morning, but we cannot find him anywhere,” said his uncle, Khaya Mavundla. Mavundla said that his four-year-old nephew had gone missing on Sunday afternoon. “His grandfather was watching him and he was busy making tea for the two of them, when Asimdumise indicated that he wanted to go and play with a group of children nearby. His grandfather said ‘no’. When the grandfather when inside to fetch the tea, the child was gone.”
Mavundla said that Asimdumise is deaf. “He was last seen walking towards the direction of the water.” Mavundla said that the family is in disbelief and in shock. “We did not stop searching and we waited for the police to join the search party in the morning.” Asimdumise’s mother, Nonjabula Mavundla, told The Ladysmith Herald that she does not know what to feel, only that she is extremely worried about her son’s safety or where he might be. “I don’t think my boy is in the water and I believe that someone had taken him from his family.” Nonjabula said that if anyone had seen her son or had any information about where he could be to please come forward. “I pray that my son returns home safely.”
Community members sat along the banks of Woodstock Dam as officials combed the area. The search for the small toddler proved futile and the search was called off late on Monday afternoon. “We will continue tomorrow, but will try and follow up on other leads that might assist with finding the child,” said LT Col Ramlagan. Community members expressed their concern and hope that Asimdumise will return home, unharmed.
