Missing Barefoot Woman in Parys Found

The missing woman in Parys, Rita Hawkins, was found this morning by a passer-by. The South African Police Service (SAPS) had yesterday issued a call for assistance in locating the 53-year-old who had last been seen running barefoot towards the Vaal River.

SAPS said she was found this morning near the Vaalriver in Parys at around 08h00.

”This is three days after she was reported missing,” said SAPS. “She will be taken in for medical treatment and observation.”

Ms Hawkins, who is from Bellville, was visiting her aunt in Parys when she went missing on Wednesday morning 30 December 2020. SAPS said she was “said to be mentally disabled”.

“The South African Police Service would like to thank all who assisted with information after she was reported missing. She will now be reunited with her family,” SAPS said in a statement.