The heartbroken family of a four-year-old who disappeared from a remote homestead in the South Australian outback four days ago is holding onto hope he will be found alive.

August, also known as Gus, was last seen at a property in mid-north SA, located around 40 kilometres south of Yunta, about 5pm on Saturday.

He was reportedly playing in his grandparents' sandpit around the time he went missing.

Friend of the family Bill Harbison read out a statement today on their behalf.

In it, Gus' loved ones said they were still desperately hoping the four-year-old will be found alive three nights and four days after he went missing.

"We are devastated by the disappearance of our beloved Gus on Saturday afternoon," the statement reads.

"This has come as a shock to our family and friends

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