Missing mentally ill Eersterust man found after seven weeks
"He is making great progress and I cannot wait to have my grandson back home."
A 23-year-old mentally ill man from Eersterust, who was reported missing in February, has been found.
Keanu Williams, who is bipolar, went missing without a trace on February 12, which has left his family devastated.
According to his grandmother, Shella Marvey, a close friend of hers phoned her on Friday, informing her that her grandson was in Kalafong hospital.
“The son of a neighbour’s sister, who lives in Pretoria North, was in Kalafong for a foot operation.
“Because he was in hospital, he did not have a phone on him.
“He was discharged from hospital and noticed Keanu on his way out,” she said.
“That is when I received the call. I am so grateful. It was the best news ever,” the relieved grandmother said.
It was not sure how he ended up in a hospital, but Marvey said that the doctors informed her that Keanu was admitted three weeks ago after he suffered a stroke.
“He is making great progress and I cannot wait to have my grandson back home,” she said.
Since Keanu was reported missing, his family searched hospitals and mortuaries but with no success.
“I was so worried for his safety. I was heartbroken. I could not sleep, I could not eat because I did not know where my child was.
“My main concern was that he was without his medication for far too long since he went missing and normally forgets who he is,” said Marvey.
She said that Keanu normally took walks in the community, but never goes too far. This time, however, she feared the worst when no one knew his whereabouts.
“When he is at home, he takes an injection once a month. Near the end of the month, when the injection starts to wear out, you can see he gets confused.”
His family was grateful that he was alive.
Mother, Nicole said her heart was at peace now.
“I can go to bed peacefully,” she said.
“We need to go the extra mile to protect our loved ones who live with mental illnesses.
“Just keep a watchful eye on them,” his mother said.
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