A Koffiefontein-based Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) social worker has been reported missing.

The Free State Social Development spokesperson, Thembeni Nqabeni, said they were shocked and in disbelief when they received reports that one of their social workers, Jessica Nombulelo Michael, is missing. Michael who was a GBVF social worker at the Koffiefontein office in the Xhariep District, was last seen wearing a black shirt with formal pants and white sandals on Tuesday 5 December 2023.

“It is really unfortunate that an advocate of issues affecting women just disappears during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence period,” he added.

Nqabeni urged community members who might have information on her whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or her uncle on 082 676 3133. A missing person case has been opened. Michael adds to the number of women who have been reported missing in the Free State recently.

On 30 October, the 22-year-old Lesego Mamello Motaung was reported missing by her aunt at the Park Road Police Station and investigations into her disappearance have so far yielded no results.

Free State SAPS are also investigating another kidnapping case of the 23-year-old Lerato Masiu, who was last seen by her mother on Thursday 16 November 2023. Lerato allegedly left home with an unknown African male pretending to be an investigation officer.

Most recently, a kidnapping case of a 16-year-old Machaka Radebe ended tragically when a passerby discovered her body, two days after she was reported missing the previous weekend (2/12). Radebe was last seen at her family home in Rocklands, Bloemfontein.

The spokesperson of the Police Ministry, Lirandzu Themba, said they are extremely concerned about the spate of kidnappings of young girls and females in the Free State province. The 16-year-old teenager was laid to rest on Saturday 9 December 2023.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi CG