Missing Millicent's family hoping to find her alive

More than a week after 10-year-old Milicent Mampa was swept into a stormwater drain her family still hopes that the little girl will be found alive.

"We believe she is still alive. We will not stop believing that," said her uncle, Patrick Monnye.

Milicent was reported missing on October 30 after she fell into a stormwater drain outside her school in Ivory Park, northeastern Johannesburg.

Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Molaudzi yesterday said that after several days of fruitless searching the case was handed over to the police.

There have been searches in Ivory Park, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, Centurion and Irene.

Captain Pinky Tsinyane said the search for the girl will continue.

Monnye said he was disappointed that the EMS failed to communicate with the family.

"We don't understand what has been happening. We last saw them on Friday and they gave us no feedback," he said.

Monnye said the family appreciated the efforts of community members who spend their days looking for his niece.

Anyone with information that might assist the police should contact Lieutenant-Colonel Alista Subramanian on 082-455-5061.