Uyinene Mrwetyana: South Africans rally together in search of missing student

South Africans are rallying together on social media to bring home a missing University of Cape Town student. Uyinene Mrwetyana, 19, has been missing since Saturday afternoon when she was last spotted leaving her residence in Claremont, Cape Town.

The BA Film and Media Studies first year’s disappearance is now being investigated by SAPS and UCT.

Hi. UCT is working with authorities on finding the missing student. Please read the full statement. pic.twitter.com/dayVE1yxvx

— UCT (@UCT_news) August 27, 2019

However, many South Africans and social media users are taking matters into their own hands.

The hashtag #BringNeneHome began trending on Tuesday across the country, as users tweeted important information, lamented the lack of safety in South Africa, or just offered prayers to those affected. Users also encouraged others to retweet.

UCT’s vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng changed her Twitter name and profile picture in support of the missing student.

#bringNenehome pic.twitter.com/Tjxh5w9ktx

— #BringNeneHome (@FabAcademic) August 27, 2019

Others followed suit.

Uyinene Mrwetyana has been missing since Saturday, when she was last seen leaving her residence in Cape Town

“Lord, I pray that you watch over and protect Uyinene Mrwetyana Let her be found in good health and spirit. Comfort her family and friends, near and far, in this time of need. And be a guiding hand to those seeking her. Amen,” tweeted one user.

Lord, I pray that you watch over and protect Uyinene Mrwetyana
Let her be found in good health and spirit. Comfort her family and friends, near and far, in this time of need. And be a guiding hand to those seeking her. Amen. 🙏🏾#bringNenehome pic.twitter.com/nH6RL5qpQr

— dimpho (@dimpho__dm) August 27, 2019

#BringNeneHome#WhereIsUyinene 😢 Missing UCT student – info anyone? https://t.co/Hm3NJX9LUO pic.twitter.com/9RvwZFefvT

— Cape Town 🐋 (@CapeTown) August 27, 2019

It’s heartbreaking to hear that a young girl who a first year has been missing since Saturday afternoon. As black women we risk our lives everyday simply by walking outside. We are not safe. Please bring back Nene. #bringNenehome @PresidencyZA @CyrilRamaphosa

— Savita Mbuli (@savitambuli) August 27, 2019

Lord I pray you do your thing! We need your help. Bring Nene Home! ❤️ #bringNenehome

— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) August 27, 2019

Prayer sessions have also been organised in the wake of Uyinene Mrwetyana’s disappearance.

These are the prayer sessions which have been organised by Uyinene's friends from different locations across the country. . Please do join us if you are available💛💛 #bringNenehome pic.twitter.com/q9Rq0qRCLG

— UmXhosa🍒 (@SinoDangazele) August 27, 2019

And students in other universities in South Africa also held vigils this week.

We are hopeful #bringNenehome pic.twitter.com/pgcLnXdBKU

— Zenande Mnqandi (@zennibabe) August 27, 2019

UCT has noted that it’s in contact with Uyinene Mrwetyana’s family.

“The university urges anyone who make have any information that might assist with tracing Ms. Mrwetyana to urgently contact CPS on 080 650 2222 or the SAPS on 021 657 2250,” it added.

“UCT remains hopeful that Ms. Mrwetyana will be found soon.”

Feature image: composite screenshot, @FabAcademic via Twitter