GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - An Umasizakhe family is overjoyed that Somoleze 'Soso' Jack (16), was found unharmed a full 17 days after her disappearance.
Soso went missing from 97 New Location on the morning of Thursday 5 March. According to the girl's aunt, Gladdis 'Mamma' Jack, she was found on Sunday 22 March by an off-duty security guard who recognised her from a photo published online by the Advertiser.
The guard ran to the Jack family home to alert them.
Soso had been hiding in an abandoned shack on Henry Street, Umasizakhe. Gladdis said Soso acknowledged that she left with a friend and was too scared to return home because she felt guilty and ashamed.
She then went into hiding in the shack, without food or water. Gladdis said when they found her, Soso apologised, saying she was very hungry and thirsty.
"The poor child was without food and water. We are so happy and celebrating the homecoming of our child."
Soso left her home through the back door during the early hours of the morning. At the time of her disappearance, there were three adults and three children with her in the house. They were all asleep and only discovered she was missing the next morning.
A search was launched by the Graaff-Reinet Police Services, the neighbourhood watch, family, community members and the ward councilor, Xolile Galada.
The Graaff-Reinet Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit took charge of the investigation, with sergeant Zukile November as the investigation officer. When Soso was found, the family immediately called the police. She was then taken to social services for questioning and observation. According to Gladdis, the family members are too happy to be angry with the teen.
"We made her nice food and she washed. Now she is enjoying being with her family and at home," said Gladdis.
Police spokesperson, Capt Bradley Rawlinson, said Soso is unharmed.
Gladdis thanked the police, community, Councilor Galada and the Advertiser for all their help.
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