There has since been speculation that the entire incident was staged.
Shortly after the video was shared, author Jackie Phamotse posted a video begging people to help find Mabena.
Phamotse has since deleted the video, but it was too late.
Users had already shared it across social media, mocking her emotional pleas.
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She has worked at Independent Media and 1KZNTV and has contributed columns to the Washington Post.
Passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative.
