The mentally ill Mr Robert Marandela (48) of Tshakhuma Luvhalani disappeared from his home last Friday.

According to his brother, Mr Thomas Marandela,  they started a search for him and also contacted all their nearby relatives, "but all our efforts yielded no results," he said.

The matter was then reported to the police, but he has not been found yet. He added that the disappearance of his brother was putting a big strain on the family. "Please, my brother, come back home. We still need you and we miss you," he pleaded. He said the disappearance had cast a dark cloud over the family.

The spokesperson for the police at Levubu, W/O Solly Mukhola, said they had opened a missing person docket. “We appeal to all who might have information about Mr Marandela to please come forward with the information." Robert is described as being of medium build, having a light complexion and short black hair. He was wearing a red-and-black striped T-shirt and black trousers.

Those with information about him can contact W/O Solly Mukhola at 082 414 5859.