VANISHED OUTSIDE COURT – Elsies mother searches for missing dogter after domestic dispute with dad

A 16-year-old girl has been reported missing after disappearing outside Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on Friday, December 11, 2025. Schyla Lee-Anne Jeftha was scheduled to appear in court on a domestic complaint and was last seen shortly before her appearance that morning.

Schyla Jeftha Missing After Court Appearance

Schyla’s mother, Elzaan Jeftha, expressed concern for her daughter’s safety, noting that while Schyla has disappeared before, usually for a day, this instance is significantly longer. According to Elzaan, Schyla said she would “go clear it up” and then return to court, but she vanished.

The case stems from an incident in July where Schyla’s father filed a complaint of malicious damage to property after she broke two cups, valued at less than R200. The court appearance was intended for finalization through out-of-court diversion, which would require Schyla to attend anger management classes starting in February.

Elzaan Jeftha stated that her daughter was not fearful of the court proceedings and had no reason to avoid her appearance. The child had been placed in her mother’s care by the family advocate during a divorce, but later chose to live with her father. That relationship deteriorated due to physical altercations and abusive behavior from her father and his girlfriend, who is reportedly undergoing rehabilitation.

The Western Cape Missing Persons Unit has been searching for Schyla without success. Her mother fears Schyla may be being hidden or could be a victim of human trafficking. Schyla was previously found at a house in Delft, but is now known to frequent areas in Mitchells Plain, including Lentegeur, Beacon Valley, and the Farm. She currently lives with her mother in Elsies River.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a missing persons case was opened at Mitchells Plain SAPS on December 12, 2025, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are under investigation.

Schyla has a tattoo of a butterfly and flowers on her upper left breast, a nose ring, and is of short stature with a light complexion. She was last seen wearing a black short jumpsuit, black and white Nike dunk sneakers, and a black bonnet.

Anyone with information regarding Schyla’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.