24 May 2022

Tshane Police are in search of Ms Florah Tshidi, 69 of Lokgwabe, who is feared to have lost her way in the wilderness during the gathering of mahupu (wild mushroom) expedition at Uki lands on May 19.

In an interview, Tshane Police Station acting station commander, Assistant Superintendent Osimilwe Mangena said the sexagenarian, who hails from Sebogodi ward, was reported to have been in a company of seven other community members.

He said the missing woman, together with her companions, left for the gathering of mahupu on May 18, about 40 kilometres along Lokgwabe-Mabuasehube road.

Assistant Superintendent Mangena said the accomplices reported that upon their arrival on May 18 they set up their camp and proceeded with the search for mahupu the following day.

He said the victim’s companions narrated that before proceeding with their mission, the expedition split into small groups that went into the forest to later return to the camp site in the afternoon around 5pm.

Assistant Superintendent Mangena said upon their return, they noticed that the Ms Tshidi was missing and they all went back into the bush to search for her until 9pm, in vain.

He said they continued the search again on May 20, but their efforts hit a snag and had to strive to make contact with those back in the village since there was no mobile network coverage in their vicinity.

The acting station commander said his office received the report on May 21 and arranged a search party comprising of police officers and community members, but still there was no trace of her.

The search is still ongoing.

In addition, he said they have called for an air craft to assist in the search for the missing person.

He encouraged community members to be vigilant when engaged in such activities, more especially that the mahupu gathering expedition extended  into wildlife management areas.

Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent  Mangena appealed to the community members to report any leads to Tshane Police Station on 6530039/6530042 or any police station.  ENDS