Police in Mangaung are appealing to the community for assistance in locating 16-year-old Gaopalelwe Kekgopilwe, who has been reported #missing.
Gaopalelwe was last seen leaving his place of residence in Phelindaba, Bloemfontein, on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at approximately 09:45. It is alleged that his 34-year-old mother questioned him about his destination, to which he replied that he would “be back soon.”
However, he has not returned home since, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, beige long trousers, and black Carvela shoes.
The Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is leading the search. Police urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and help reunite this teenager with his family.
Anyone who may have seen Gaopalelwe or has information regarding his whereabouts is requested to contact Detective Warrant Officer Seale on 082 895 6344. Alternatively, contact the police #CrimeStop number at 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip-off through the #MySAPSApp.