By Wednesday morning, there was still no news on the whereabouts of a 75-year-old man who left his home in Makwarela and disappeared without a trace.
Mr Simon Davhula Nyathela left home in the early hours of Thursday, 6 February, telling family members he was going to visit his sister in Makwarela. However, he never arrived, and he has not been seen since.
His brother, Mr Eric Nyathela, said he was wearing khaki clothing, similar to what many farmers in the region wear. He was driving a grey Toyota Avensis sedan. The family initially tried to call him, but he did not answer.
"We are very concerned as his phone is now off. We are distraught as a family. We have searched everywhere, but in vain. This is the first time something like this has happened. He is a homebound person who does not sleep out. Even the relatives we contacted confirmed they have not seen him. This is a very trying and traumatic time for us," he said.
The police have since launched a search. Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi said on Wednesday that the missing man's car had been found in Elim and that officers were following up on leads.
Anyone with information that may assist in finding Mr Nyathela is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sgt Matimba Caswell Mabasa, at (082) 436-4825, call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.