A SIX-YEAR-OLD Limpopo boy who went missing last Wednesday has been found alive - five days later.

Thapelo Sithole, of Spitspunt in the Moutse area, was found in a pit close to his home in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The boy's family believes he may have been kidnapped and that the kidnapper might have dropped him in the pit after a massive search for him was launched.

"A neighbour was on his way to the toilet when he heard the cries of a young child coming from a pit in which we throw rubbish," said Thapelo's mother Johanna.

"He found Thapelo inside the pit with his body covered in what is believed to be ash. He was shivering and could not speak.

"We are just glad that he is alive."

She thanked members of the public who stood by her family while her son was missing.

By Sunday, four days after Thapelo's disappearance, efforts by the police, villagers and sangomas to find the boy had failed to yield results.

Thapelo's grandfather Elias said: "We were always optimistic that we would find him alive.

"We prayed very hard and we are glad our prayers have been answered."

Mpho Leballo, one of the people who helped the family search for Thapelo, said he was happy the boy had been found.

"What we now want to know is who stole him and for what reason. We can't just say because he is back home the chapter is closed. There are still unanswered questions and we won't rest until we get answers," said Leballo.

Thapelo's parents are no longer together but live next door to each other.

The boy's father had to be removed to a place of safety after he was accused by villagers of having had a hand in the boy's disappearance.

The boy's mother, who allegedly led the accusatory crowd, was arrested and released with a warning.

Police spokesperson Lithunya Mmuroa confirmed that the boy had been found but said investigations were continuing.