The Painful Mystery of Anschen Strauss’s Disappearance in Upington

By Zinhle Cele | Missing Person South Africa

A Sister’s Plea Amid Silence

When 32-year-old Anschen Strauss vanished in February 2025, no one imagined she’d still be missing months later. Light in complexion, kind-hearted, and known for her soft-spoken nature, Anschen was last reportedly seen accepting a lift from a truck in Upington, Northern Cape. Since then, not a single confirmed sighting or update has surfaced.

Her sister, overwhelmed by worry, recently reached out to Missing Person South Africa, hoping the power of public awareness could finally bring her home.

“It’s been months of silence. No one knows exactly what she was wearing or where she went after that truck ride,” her sister shared with heartbreak in her voice. “She’s not just a missing person. She’s our family.”

Last Seen in Upington: What We Know

According to information gathered from those who last had contact with her, Anschen was believed to have hitched a ride from an unknown truck driver somewhere in Upington in early February.

• No official CCTV footage has been made available.
• No known phone activity has occurred since the day she went missing.
• Efforts to trace her movements have hit dead ends.

The community of Upington has been urged to come forward with any information, however small.

“Sometimes it’s a small detail—someone seeing her at a petrol station or someone remembering the truck—that makes all the difference,” says Detective Willem Venter from the Upington SAPS Missing Persons Unit.

A Growing National Concern

Anschen’s disappearance is not an isolated case. According to Missing Children South Africa, a child or adult goes missing every five hours in the country. While many are found, too many never return.

“We’re seeing a growing trend of people going missing while hitchhiking, especially in remote areas where trucks are the only transport option,” says community safety advocate Nomsa Mahlangu. “Women are especially vulnerable.”

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How the Public Can Help

This is where you come in. Stories like Anschen’s need voices, shares, and attention. Here are ways to get involved:

• 🔎 Be aware of missing person posts in your area and share them widely.
• 🧾 Report sightings or suspicions immediately to local police or through trusted platforms.
• 📱 Talk to your family and children about the risks of accepting lifts from strangers.
• 🚨 Save emergency contacts and check in with loved ones regularly, especially when traveling.

Safety Tips to Prevent Disappearances

While not all tragedies are preventable, we can reduce risk with better awareness:

For Adults & Travelers:

• Avoid hitchhiking, especially in rural areas.
• Always share your location with someone you trust.
• Use licensed transport where possible.

For Children & Teens:

• Teach them to never walk alone or accept lifts from anyone without permission.
• Ensure they know important contact numbers by heart.
• Encourage open communication about online or offline interactions.

For Social Media Users:

• Avoid oversharing personal travel plans online.
• Use privacy settings to limit who sees your content.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or rides.

Why We Must Keep Searching

Behind every missing person is a family that never stops hoping.
Behind every share is a chance for someone to recognize a face.

“Even if it’s just one person seeing this and remembering something… it could be what brings her home,” her sister pleads.

We Need Your Help Now

If you have any information about Anschen Strauss or her last known movements in Upington:

📞 Contact: Upington SAPS or
📱 WhatsApp Missing Person SA
🔗 Report a case here

Your Voice Matters

Have you or someone you know ever faced a situation like this?
Have you seen Anschen—or anything that might help?
Share your thoughts or simply leave a message of support in the comments.

Let’s create a community where no one disappears unnoticed.

Please, share this story, stay alert, and help bring Anschen Strauss home.

🕊️

Article by: Zinhle Cele
📧 Email: zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za