Midrand, South Africa – The Maripane family from Dennilton Mpheleng is appealing to the public for assistance in finding Marina Maripane-Mtungwa, who has been missing since April 18, 2023. Marina was last seen at her home in Midrand, and despite ongoing police investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Marina’s disappearance has left her family and community deeply distressed. According to her brother, Tshepo Maripane, known as DJ Active, their mother made several attempts to reach Marina by phone, but her calls went unanswered. After four days of silence, Marina’s phone was finally answered by her alleged boyfriend, also from Dennilton, Mpheleng. He informed Marina’s mother that she had been missing for four days, a revelation that has only deepened the family’s concern.
The family immediately took action, requesting the return of Marina’s car, phone, and her child from the boyfriend, which he did. However, the situation escalated when the family reported Marina as missing to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The boyfriend was arrested after failing to provide satisfactory answers during the investigation but was later released on bail after spending four months in custody. Despite these developments, the investigation has yet to yield any concrete leads.
The case has sparked significant concern on social media, with many people expressing their fears and frustrations. Eric Mpoyana posted, "Heartbreaking. The boyfriend must just come clean, he definitely knows something. The family deserves closure." Another commenter, Kenna Lesego, shared a grim suspicion, stating, "She is in a shallow grave not far from the boyfriend’s place or in the yard, vele."
Other community members have urged the family to seek alternative methods to find Marina. Tsietsi Tsienation suggested, "They should consult the spiritually gifted personnel. Motho a kas athlete for this long without a trace, very unusual!"
As the search for Marina continues, the family remains hopeful for her safe return and urges anyone with information to contact Tshepo Maripane through his Facebook account or reach out to the nearest SAPS. The community’s support and shared efforts on social media are crucial in this ongoing search.
The Maripane family continues to plea for Marina’s return, and the public is encouraged to share the missing person alert widely to help bring her home.