82-year-old woman missing since October 2022
Police in Hartswater have issued an urgent appeal for public assistance in locating an elderly woman who vanished from her home and has not been seen since early October 2022.
Batshadi Virginia Matsukane, aged 82, was last spotted at her residence in Utlwanang Street, Hartswater, on 3 October 2022. Authorities have expressed concern for her wellbeing given her advanced age and vulnerable condition.
According to investigators, when Matsukane was last seen she was dressed in a pink dress paired with a brown shirt, a brown scarf, pink socks and black tekkies. These details may prove crucial in identifying her.
"She is not in a sound state of mind. Sometimes she cannot remember or recall anything about herself or any that is happening around her."
Community urged to come forward with information
The description of Matsukane's mental state has heightened fears for her safety. Her inability to recall basic personal details or comprehend her surroundings makes her particularly vulnerable, and authorities are racing to establish her whereabouts.
Law enforcement officers in the Northern Cape town are calling on residents and the broader community to share any information that could help shed light on where the elderly woman might be found.
The investigating officer assigned to the case, Warrant Officer Chabeli, can be reached directly on 063 8957 215. Members of the public may also contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tip-offs through the MY application.
Anyone who may have encountered Matsukane or has knowledge of her movements since her disappearance is encouraged to get in touch with the authorities without delay.
South Africa's ongoing crisis of missing vulnerable persons places immense strain on families and under-resourced rural police services, with elderly individuals suffering from cognitive decline facing heightened risks of exploitation, injury, or worse. Cases like this highlight gaps in community care networks and the need for stronger support systems in small towns such as Hartswater. Continued public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement remain essential if long-unresolved disappearances are to be addressed effectively.
