The family of an elderly man who went missing from his home in Khutsong this week is desperately appealing to the community for help in finding him.

According to a relative, 80-year-old Francis Magwaza, known to many as “Oom France”, went missing from his home near the ZCC Church in Khayalethu, Khutsong, on Wednesday, March 25. His daughter noticed he was missing when she arrived home after work.

“Oom France” is soft-spoken, speaks Setswana, and has dementia. He was wearing a black and red striped shirt, black trousers, and shoes when he went missing.

“People spotted him in Blybank on the same Wednesday that he went missing. He really likes his cigarettes and tea and might be asking people for these. He is still very strong for his age and can walk very fast, although the people who saw him in Blybank on Wednesday say that he was using a stick for balance,” said the relative, who is extremely concerned.

She added that some eyewitnesses allege that her uncle was walking along the main road towards Randfontein and was heading in that direction.

Anyone who sees “Oom France” or has any information that could assist his family or the police in locating him is urged to immediately contact Granny at 082 474 9938 or Smenkie at 071 076 9297.