Missing 16-Year-Old Khethokuhle Ayanda Ncube Found Murdered
By Mildred Naidoo
KwaZulu-Natal is mourning the loss of Khethokuhle Ayanda Ncube, a 16-year-old girl who was found murdered after being missing for over a week. Ayanda disappeared on July 31, 2025, while on her way to the shop. Her body was discovered on August 7 in the area of Saka Mthwethwa, with her cellphone found beside her.
What remains particularly confusing and troubling is that the place where Ayanda’s body was found had been searched thoroughly by both community members and police earlier in the investigation. How she came to be there without anyone noticing raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The family is still grappling with shock and grief. According to social media posts shared by friends and community members, Ayanda’s mother, Qaphile Mthiyane, worked tirelessly to find her daughter, balancing her search efforts with the demands of her job as a domestic worker. The family’s heartbreak has resonated deeply throughout the community.
Friends and relatives have expressed their sorrow and called for support during this difficult time. Community members are urging anyone with information about Ayanda’s disappearance or death to come forward and assist the authorities. Police investigations are ongoing, but the family and community remain desperate for answers and justice.
This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of violence affecting young people in KwaZulu-Natal. It serves as a painful reminder of the need for greater community vigilance and support systems to protect vulnerable children and youth.
If you have any information that could help the investigation or the family, please contact the local police.
