A 53-year-old male pastor, Thabo Caiphus Malatji, is being sought by the South African Police Service in Ritavi following his disappearance on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at approximately 19:00.
Malatji left his home in Mokgoloboto Village while his wife was asleep, intending to go fishing. He never returned home and has since disappeared. He cannot be located at relatives’ homes or in the surrounding areas.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Malatji usually returns home after three days when he goes fishing. However, a member of his congregation allegedly informed his wife that he had gone to the mountains to pray for 21 days.
His wife waited patiently for that period, but he did not return home. She then reported him missing at the local police station.
At this stage, there is no clear description of the clothing Malatji was wearing at the time of his disappearance.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating Thabo Caiphus Malatji is urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Muketwa Tshikumbu, on 072 260 4387, Ritavi SAPS on 079 890 6460, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the MySAPS App.
Police investigations are continuing.
