Police are searching for a 24-year-old Bonteheuwel woman living with Down syndrome reported missing last week.
Her family said Tyresa Sparks was last seen on October 1 around 2.30 pm.
She had come home to use the bathroom, as she often did during the day while spending time with friends outside, her family said.
Police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg on Monday said: “At the time of her disappearance she was wearing a red beanie, pink body warmer, black jeans and blue Allstar sneakers.”
Sparks’ aunt, Samonia Jacobs, said they were struggling to sleep at night amid the stress of Sparks’ disappearance.
“We follow up every lead. When we get a call and someone says they saw her at a certain place, we are there.
Usually she will be in the road, she will be sitting on the corner or walk to her friend in Vlamboom road. She will then come home whenever she needs to use the toilet.”
“In the evening at around 8pm she was still not in the house.
“We told her sister to go check where she is.
“They checked with another lady, she wasn’t there.
“When her mother came home, they told her so she checked with her other friend. She never found her there. She checked... everywhere people told the mother they saw her that day.
“The next morning we opened a missing person’s case.
“We’ve checked the entire Bonteheuwel, handed out pamphlets,” the distressed aunt said.
“We miss her very much. She is a very loving person, so many people love her.
“She will start a conversation even if she doesn't know you. She will compliment someone just because she feels like it.
“The house just doesn't feel the same without her,” she said.
Ward councillor Angus Mckenzie said they had responded to various community tip-offs to no avail.
“I am urging people across the city to please help us find Tyresa Sparks. We need to do everything in our power to bring Tyresa Sparks home.”
Anyone with information on Sparks’ whereabouts can contact Mckenzie on 082 444 1850, or anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860 010 111.
Cape Times