The family of 19-year-old Zamandaba Zondi, also known as Melissa, is appealing for public assistance in locating her after she went missing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday, 9 October 2026.
According to her mother, Nokuthula Zondi, the teenager left their home in Buffer Strip and went to Cater High School to collect a T-shirt. She did not return home and has not been in contact with her family since.
Her mother said there had been no disagreements or unusual circumstances before her disappearance. However, she reportedly received death threats after failing to repay a loan of R2,000, which allegedly carried 50% interest.
According to the family, a message warned that her daughter would be killed and that the location of her body would be sent in a second message.
Zamandaba is described as tall and of medium build, with black hair. She usually wears an afro hairstyle but had braids when she disappeared. She has no known tattoos or distinguishing body markings.
The 19-year-old is also the mother of a 16-month-old girl.
Her family remains concerned about her whereabouts and is urging anyone who may have seen her or has information that could assist in locating her to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact her mother, Nokuthula Zondi, on 067 409 6592, or Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on 086 1234 333.
