Cape Town - A relieved Scottsdene family has been reunited with an eight-month-old baby boy after he went missing three days ago.
Little Lucus Cederus is believed to have been taken by Marinda Julies, who police want to question in connection with his disappearance.
Lucus was discovered late on Thursday afternoon after a rigorous search by the community and his family.
The police in Kraaifontein said Lucus was reported missing on Tuesday, and the community, his family, the police and the local community policing forum (CPF) set about finding him.
He was last seen with Julies, who his mother, Simone Cederus, said could not be trusted.
Lucus was in the care of his grandmother at the time of his disappearance.
The Pink Ladies, an organisation which aids the police in tracking down missing persons, said many people worked tirelessly to reunite the child with his family.
Cape Town police are looking for Miranda “Mindy”Julies. Picture: Supplied
The organisation’s Dessie Rechner said: “We sent it (the information) out to our whole network in the Western Cape. This includes the SAPS, media and all other partnerships.”
Kraaifontein CPF chairperson Mawethu Sila said it was a difficult time for the Scottsdene community.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk relayed the happy news that Lucus was found unharmed. “Eight-month-old Lucus Cederus has been found this afternoon. He was taken to a doctor for a medical checkup, he is unharmed and reunited with his family. No arrest has been made. Investigation continues.”
Kraaifontein station commander, Brigadier Gerda van Niekerk commended all SAPS members, neighbourhood watches and community members who helped in the search for the child.
“We applaud all the people who rushed to the police station to help with the search for Julies and the child.”