Desperate Plea for Return of Kidnapped Boy, Ivakele, from Somerset West

A heart-rending appeal is being made by Asanda Yeko, the mother of Ivakele Imvano Yeko, a 15-month-old boy kidnapped from Somerset West. Ivakele was handed over to an unknown woman by his caregiver on December 5, 2020. His 5-year-old sister was also present, however, she was later dropped on Main Road and made her own way home.

The modus operandi of the case has been reported by police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi, where the suspect had approached the caregiver and the two children at Sassa office opposite the Ultra Liquor store in Somerset West. The suspect promised to buy food and chips, gaining the caregiver's trust enough for her to hand over Ivakele.

Yeko, in deep anguish, commented on the repercussions on the community, with the caregiver, under severe blame, turning to alcohol. Yeko, however, holds no grudges against her, all she wants is her son back. She even appealed to the kidnapper, offering her freedom in return for the safe return of Ivakele.

The authorities, failing to find leads even with video footage, have called in the assistance of the Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS). Ivakele was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and a nappy. Possible sightings of the child have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal, including at a Home Affairs branch, but these leads have since gone cold. A reward of R30000 has been offered by the police for any information that leads to the safe return of Ivakele.