Authorities are attempting to trace two Durban mothers following allegations that they sexually abused their young children, while child protection advocates have urged investigators to locate the children and ensure their safety.
The allegations first came to the attention of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) after the organisation received a complaint in May 2026 from a woman in Chatsworth.
According to RUSA, the woman reported that her female partner from Phoenix had allegedly forced her six-year-old daughter to perform sexual acts.
However, screenshots and images reportedly submitted by the complainant also appeared to show that the Chatsworth woman herself was allegedly sexually abusing her seven-year-old son.
RUSA said the complainant has since disappeared, making it difficult for authorities to proceed with a formal criminal investigation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed it has been working closely with Reaction Unit South Africa regarding the matter. However, police said no criminal case has been officially registered because no formal statement has been obtained from the complainant.
RUSA spokesperson Vinod Singh said investigators remain in regular contact with police as efforts continue to locate the women and the children involved.
"The police are in communication with us on this matter every second day, and we remain in contact with them," Singh said.
"We're hoping that if one of the children is attending school or speaks to a neighbour, teacher or another child, they can be located and receive the help and protection they need."
Child protection organisation Childline KwaZulu-Natal has stressed that the absence of a formal complainant should not prevent authorities from pursuing the matter.
The organisation said law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to locate the children, verify the allegations and ensure they receive any necessary medical, psychological and social support if the claims are substantiated.
Reaction Unit South Africa said it will continue to investigate all information received and follow up on any leads that could assist in locating the children and ensuring their safety.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact the South African Police Service or Reaction Unit South Africa.