Three missing Kayamandi siblings found
Social workers from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) working with the Stellenbosch South African Police Services (SAPS) have this morning found the three siblings who went missing on Friday.
The foster mother of the three reported them missing last week from the Safe Care Home they were placed in last year by the Department. Our investigations into what led to their disappearance are still ongoing, however we believe the children may have absconded again, as they had done so earlier in December last year.
In line with the Children’s Act of 2005, the children were placed in Safe Care by order of the Children’s Court. This is in the best interests of the children, due to their unsafe and unsuitable home environment.
It is quite common for children in this situation to still long to return to their biological parents and home, and for some to attempt to abscond. This is why social workers render ongoing therapeutic interventions and counselling, to assist children with coping with the change.
In finding the children, investigations led SAPS and social workers back to the biological mother’s home.
Our social workers will determine the course of action going forward, which will include rendering support to the biological mother to get her and her home circumstances to an acceptable level for child care. In the interim, and in line with the Act, the department will look to place these children in a more secure place of safety. This is to ensure that the children’s schooling and welfare is not disturbed.
Media Enquiries:
Minister Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
