'Something is very wrong'

THE desperate family of a missing sickly Elsies River vrou is pleading with the public to help them find a missing mom of seven.

Melissa Hills, who lost one of her lungs due to an infection, was last seen on 26 June asking for a neighbour to call her an ambulance because she was struggling to breathe.

But by the time the person went to fetch their phone, Melissa was gone.

Her heartbroken sister Nuraan Delgada explained that the family knows something is terribly wrong, because Melissa would always contact her or their mother.

Delgada told the Daily Voice: “Melissa was in rehab due to being on drugs, however when she disappeared she was clean. One of her friends helped her to turn her life around and gave her money to start her own business.

Melissa also receives a special grant due to her condition, and the family hoped that tracking her SASSA withdrawal might give them a clue, however her money is still lying in her account.

Delgada added: “She has a very strong personality, but does not know areas outside of Elsies, but no one has sighted her anywhere.”

The disappearance has hit the family hard, especially their mother, who is battling to cope with not knowing where her daughter is.

Delgada said: “Something is very wrong, either she is held captive or she is lying in a ditch. I already went to mortuaries and gravesites, but she is not there.”

Local activist Shakes and the Warrior Squad have stepped in to assist the family, but so far, there are no solid leads.

Melissa’s family say they just want her home safe or to know where she is.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the investigation into Melissa's disappearance is still ongoing.

Anyone with any information or who knows the whereabouts of the missing person is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.