The Siziba family, whose elderly grandfather went missing, says they cannot sufficiently express their relief that he has been found safe.

Seventy-five-year-old Aaron Kale, who suffers from dementia, went missing late on Sunday afternoon, April 19, failing to return from a walk to the Pick n Pay near the family home in Penny Street.

According to son-in-law Dereck, it is unknown whether Kale became lost or disoriented, but when he didn’t return by that night, the family went to Roodepoort Police Station to report him missing.

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“We were so worried about his safety,” says Dereck.

“The Roodepoort police were very helpful, and a full-scale search was launched immediately, but it was like he had simply vanished.

“No one had seen or heard from him.”

Dereck adds that the two days that he was missing were likely the most difficult time his family had ever endured.

“Police, community members, and the family searched everywhere for him throughout Sunday night and Monday, but without any luck.”

Dereck adds that he received word from a passerby on Tuesday that someone matching his father-in-law’s description had been seen, and he immediately followed up.

“I drove to the place near the Corlett Avenue bridge, and after some searching, found him in the small park at Frazer and Boshoff streets.

“He was completely unharmed, but confused and scared.

“We are just thankful that he is safe and would like to thank the police officers and community members who helped us search for him,” he concludes.