The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a nationwide appeal for information that could help locate 11-year-old Child Leslie Kamuzungu, who went missing in Harare’s Glaudina suburb on November 6, 2025.
According to a statement issued by the police, Leslie was last seen in the afternoon wearing a black jacket and grey shorts. His sudden disappearance has sparked concern among residents and intensified efforts by law enforcement to trace his whereabouts.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to members of the public to assist in locating Leslie Kamuzungu (11), who went missing on November 6, 2025, in Glaudina area, Harare,” the ZRP said in an official communication.
The young boy was reportedly playing near his home when he vanished. Family members initially believed he had gone to visit a friend or relative nearby, but when he failed to return by evening, they raised the alarm. A missing persons report was filed at ZRP Kuwadzana Police Station, prompting the immediate launch of search operations in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Leslie’s family has described him as a quiet and cheerful boy who enjoys playing football and helping his mother with chores. His disappearance has left them devastated and desperate for answers.
“Leslie never wanders far from home,” his aunt said tearfully. “We have searched everywhere — at his school, at relatives’ homes, and even in nearby shopping areas. We just want our child back.”
Community members in Glaudina have since joined the search, distributing printed flyers and sharing Leslie’s photo across social media platforms. Neighborhood watch teams and volunteers have been moving door-to-door in the hope of finding clues that might lead to his safe recovery.
Police Launch Nationwide Search for Missing 11-Year-Old Child Harare Boy
The ZRP has urged anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward immediately. Members of the public can contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631, the Harare Operations Centre on 0242 748836, or send messages through the ZRP WhatsApp platform at 0712 800 197.
“Every second counts when a child is missing,” said a police spokesperson. “We are urging communities, motorists, and local transport operators to remain alert and report any possible sightings. Even a simple observation could help bring Leslie home.”
The police have also encouraged parents to monitor their children closely and to ensure that minors do not travel alone, particularly during the current festive season build-up when public spaces tend to be crowded.
Leslie’s disappearance adds to a growing number of missing children cases reported across Zimbabwe in recent months. In Harare alone, several incidents have been recorded since September, with many families pleading for stronger community vigilance and faster police responses.
Child rights advocates have expressed concern that the combination of poverty, urban migration, and limited access to child protection services has created an environment where minors are increasingly vulnerable.
“In most of these cases, children disappear while performing routine activities — walking to school, fetching water, or visiting nearby shops,” explained one children’s rights activist. “We need a stronger national framework for immediate alerts and coordination between police, transport networks, and communities.”
The Zimbabwe Child Protection Society has urged the government to expand the country’s early warning and rapid response systems, similar to the Amber Alert model used in other countries. This would allow for coordinated public broadcasts through radio, television, and social media whenever a child goes missing.
Meanwhile, in Glaudina, the search for Leslie continues with renewed determination. Police officers have been conducting door-to-door inquiries, while residents have organized night patrols. Local churches have also joined in, offering prayers for the boy’s safe return.
“We are not giving up,” said one community leader. “Everyone here knows Leslie. He is one of our own. We will keep searching until we find him.”
Authorities are also reviewing nearby CCTV footage from shopping centres and public transport stations, hoping to establish a timeline of his last known movements.
Police sources say they are treating the matter with the highest priority and are working with the Department of Social Welfare and the Missing Persons Unit to coordinate the investigation.
As the days pass, Leslie’s family continues to cling to hope. Friends and neighbors have gathered to support them, bringing food and assisting with daily chores as they await any word from the authorities.
“We believe he is still alive,” said Leslie’s mother softly. “If someone has him, please — just bring him back. He is only a child.”
The ZRP has emphasized that anyone who shelters or withholds information about a missing minor could face legal consequences. However, the police reiterated that their primary goal remains the safe recovery of the boy.
Anyone who has seen Leslie Kamuzungu, or who has information that could assist the investigation, is urged to immediately contact:
National Complaints Desk: 0242 703631
Harare Operations: 0242 748836
ZRP WhatsApp Hotline: 0712 800 197
As the search enters its fifth day, the nation watches anxiously, united in prayer and hope that young Leslie Kamuzungu will be found safe and reunited with his family soon.
Source- ZimEye
