Kokstad police have placed a R50 000 reward on information that may lead to the recovery of the remains of three‑year‑old Banele Mshubi, who was last seen in December 2025 in the Marikana area and only reported missing on 4 January 2026, authorities said.
Arrests, court appearances and unanswered questions
Investigations by the KwaZulu‑Natal SAPS resulted in the arrest of Banele’s 27‑year‑old mother on a charge of failing to report a missing child, Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo, the provincial police spokesperson, said. The mother allegedly told police that the child’s 43‑year‑old partner had assaulted the toddler after a USB went missing and that the man had buried the child’s body. The partner — described by police as Banele’s stepfather — was arrested and charged with murder.
Both suspects appeared in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court. The mother was granted bail, while the stepfather was remanded in custody as investigations continue. Ngcobo said the stepfather is also linked to another murder investigation in Harding. Despite the arrests, Banele’s remains have not been recovered.
“Police are offering the R50 000 reward to any person who can provide credible information which may lead to the recovery of Banele’s remains,”
What police are asking of the public
Police urged anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Vincent, on 082 334 8610, or to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. SAPS public posts about the case were circulated on 10 September 2026, drawing attention to the reward and the ongoing investigation.
- Victim: Banele Mshubi, 3 years old
- Last seen: December 2025, Marikana area, Kokstad
- Reported missing: 4 January 2026
- Reward: R50 000 for information leading to recovery of remains
- Contacts: Detective Constable Vincent 082 334 8610; Crime Stop 08600 10111
Local impact and community concern
The case has unsettled residents of Kokstad and surrounding towns, who have been following reports of arrests but remain without closure while the child’s body is still missing. Cases involving young children often trigger a heightened public response, and the reward is aimed at encouraging anyone with even small pieces of information to come forward.
Police announcements in such cases serve two functions: to generate leads that could locate the victim and to signal that investigators are treating the matter with urgency. The R50 000 reward is a tangible incentive but police emphasise that the quality and credibility of information will be decisive in locating the remains and in securing successful prosecutions.
How to help safely
People who think they may know something are urged to contact the numbers provided rather than attempt to investigate themselves. Tips can be given anonymously through Crime Stop. Those providing information should be prepared to give as much detail as possible — locations, dates, vehicle descriptions, or any unusual activity seen in the Marikana area during December 2025 — but must avoid putting themselves at risk.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Missing child | Banele Mshubi, last seen Dec 2025 |
| Mother | Arrested for failing to report, released on bail |
| Stepfather | Arrested and charged with murder; remanded |
| Body | Not recovered |
| Reward | R50 000 |
What happens next
Investigators will continue to question suspects and follow leads provided by the public. If credible information emerges that points to a location, the priority will be to recover the child’s remains and to gather forensic evidence that can be used in court. The stepfather’s remand means a further court appearance is expected while police finalise their inquiries.
This remains an active criminal investigation. Anyone with information that may assist should contact Detective Constable Vincent on 082 334 8610 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Reporting from KwaZulu‑Natal.
