Family Fears Foul Play
Reporter – Felicity Jooste
Cape Town:- A heart-breaking mystery is gripping the Phillipi community, after the body of a missing boy reportedly vanished from a mortuary.
Under Disturbing Circumstances.
Tadiwanashe Vambe went missing in October, while living with his mother and older sister in Phillipi. His mother had travelled to Zimbabwe, leaving the children in the care of a 14-year-old sibling. When she returned home, she was informed that Tadiwa had disappeared. A missing person case was opened.
Not long afterwards, the family was contacted with devastating news: a deceased child had been found. Through photographs, Tadiwa’s mother identified the body as her son. However, when the family later went to claim him, they were met with a shocking discovery.
The body was no longer there.
Mortuary staff allegedly told them that “his father” collected the remains and transported the body to the Eastern Cape for burial. But the family insists this is impossible, as Tadiwa’s father passed away years ago. They claim they were not contacted, no paperwork was verified, and no proof of identity was required when the body was released.
The case has raised serious questions and fear in the community. The family is now being advised that DNA testing is needed to confirm the body’s identity, yet Tadiwa reportedly has no birth certificate, making the process more complex.
The incident has fuelled public concern over potential criminal networks that may target undocumented or vulnerable families. Although there is no official confirmation of foul play, community members fear the involvement of syndicates linked to body trafficking, mortuary corruption or unauthorised burials.
COMMUNITY CALLOUT – INFORMATION NEEDED
Anyone who may have information regarding Tadiwa’s disappearance or who might know who claimed his body is urged to come forward.
📞 Tip-offs / Information: 065 972 3263
This family deserves answers.
A missing child deserves dignity.
No mother should return home to find not only her child gone, but his body gone too.
