During an interview at the Boithuso Police Station, Ausi’s mother, Nomasomi Jonas, told OFM News' Blaine Jones that on the night of her daughter's disappearance she and her boyfriend had a heated argument at a friend's place, during which he dragged her out of the house and started beating her in a nearby field.

According to Nomasomi, her boyfriend accused her of having an affair with the friend they were visiting on the night of Ausi’s disappearance. Jonas further adds after the suspect left, a passer-by helped her get to a nearby hospital. She received a call saying the suspect fled with the child when the search began.

Upon involving community members to look for her daughter, they found the suspect trying to flee the large township. According to police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, community members allegedly assaulted and killed the suspect on 11 March 2021, after it was alleged that Ausi was last seen walking with her mother’s boyfriend in Section R. Makhele further says police are still searching for the nine-year-old. There are no new developments in the search.

Makhele says the girl was wearing a blue skirt and was barefoot. She is light in complexion with long hair, adds Makhele. The police are appealing to residents to notify them, should community members have any information pertaining to the whereabouts of the girl, says Makhele.

OFM News/Blaine Jones