“She Was Gone in 10 Minutes”: Parys Mother’s Plea to Find Missing 5-Year-Old Keith Sithole

By Missing Person South Africa

A Mother’s Nightmare: The Day Everything Changed

On a sunny afternoon in Parys, Free State, what began as a normal day turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.

Keith Sithole, a cheerful and bubbly 5-year-old Zimbabwean girl, disappeared without a trace just moments after returning from school on Friday, 12 October 2024. Her mother, Chiedza Sithole, shared the heartbreaking details with Missing Person South Africa, fighting back tears as she recounted her final moments with her daughter.

“She came back from school around 13:20,” Chiedza recalled. “She asked for R2 to buy an ice block, so I gave her the money. I stayed behind to prepare sadza (pap) for her. By the time I went to follow her, she was gone.”

The Last Sighting: A Mystery Boy and a Vanishing

Keith was last seen by locals walking with a boy, estimated to be around 7 years old, with a black scar on her face, and the boy’s hair they described as indian hair. He was unfamiliar to the community — no one recognized him.

“She had gone to the second shop to buy two ice blocks,” said a local vendor who asked to remain anonymous. “Then she walked away with a boy we’ve never seen here before.”

Despite immediate action — including reporting the case to Thumbhole Police Station and initiating a wide search involving drones, K9 units, drones, and CCTV footage — no trace of Keith has been found.

“She vanished within less than 100 metres of our home,” Chiedza said. “It was broad daylight. Ten minutes later, my child was gone.”

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Eight Months On: A Search That Feels Endless

It’s now been eight agonizing months, and hope is the only thing the family clings to.

“We’ve done everything,” said Chiedza. “I’ve gone to prophets and traditional healers. The police offered a R25,000 reward. Still, nothing. Every day I ask myself where I went wrong. My mind is not working properly anymore.”

Community members in Parys have expressed frustration and deep concern over the continued disappearance.

“It hurts that in a small town like this, a child can just vanish,” said Nomusa Dlamini, a concerned neighbor. “If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”

Read |Shocking Turn: 1 Man Promised to Show Nkululeko’s Grave — Then Blocked the Family

The Unseen Crisis: Children Missing in South Africa

South Africa sees thousands of children reported missing each year. According to Missing Children South Africa, a child goes missing every 5 hours. While most are found within 24 hours, many — like Keith — remain unaccounted for.

The trauma endured by families is immense. Prolonged missing child cases can lead to severe mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout.

“This is not just a family’s problem — this is a community problem,” said a local pastor. “We must rise up and look out for one another.”

Read | Family of Missing Hillbrow Businesswoman Joyce Nomthandazo Nkosi Still Seeks Answers Nearly 3 Years After Disappearance

A Plea from a Heartbroken Mother

Chiedza Sithole’s voice is soft, but her words carry weight:

“If anyone, anywhere, knows anything — even the smallest detail — please come forward. I’m just a mother who wants to see her child again. Keith is a sweet girl. She loves school, she loves to laugh. She didn’t deserve this. Please help us bring her home.”

You can contact Chiedza directly at 078 705 7487 or report anonymously to your nearest police station.

Lessons We Must Learn: How to Keep Our Children Safe

Keith’s disappearance is a devastating reminder that vigilance can never be taken lightly. Here are five key safety tips for parents and caregivers:

1. Never send young children to shops alone. Always accompany them, even for short distances.
2. Teach children their full names, address, and a trusted contact number.
3. Create a family code word for emergencies so kids can recognize if someone truly has your permission.
4. Report suspicious individuals or vehicles seen loitering around children or schools.
5. Join or create a neighborhood watch or parent group for collective child safety.

What Would You Do If This Were Your Child?

This story is more than a report — it’s a call to action.

Have you ever experienced something similar?
Do you have advice or words of comfort for this grieving mother?
Could your share of this story help someone remember something important?

Let us know in the comments. Your voice could be part of the solution.

Let’s Bring Keith Home — One Share at a Time

We ask you, from one parent, community member, and human being to another, please share this story. Keep Keith’s name alive. Keep the search alive.

Because silence helps no one.
And your post could be the one that changes everything.

📞 Contact: Chiedza Sithole — 078 705 7487
📍 Case reported at Thumbhole Police Station, Parys, Free State
📣 Officially supported by Missing Person South Africa