R30 000 Reward Offered For Information on Kidnapped Baby Ivakele, Case Suspected in Pietermaritzburg

The Western Cape police have announced a considerable R30 000 reward in their quest for information that could potentially lead to the safe recovery of the kidnapped 15-month-old Ivakele Imvano Yeko. The unsettling incident took place almost a year ago at the South African Social Security Agency office in Somerset West, sowing a trail of anxiety since.

Ivakele was last spotted on 5th December 2022, donned in a vivid red t-shirt and a nappy. The Khayelitsha Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, represented by its spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, is soliciting public aid in tracing the missing baby.

The incident report details a compelling narrative where Ivakele’s caregiver was befriended by an unidentified woman who eventually walked away with the infant and his five-year-old sister after offering to buy them food. The older sibling was subsequently dropped off on Main Road, Nomzamo, and managed to find her way home. After an immediate medical check, she was proven to be unscathed.

Swartbooi highlighted that early explorations suggest the child might have been moved to Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal, marking a significant turn in the investigation. The case was initially reported to the Somerset West Police Station, but it has since been taken over by Khayelitsha FCS.

Anyone with valuable information that could pave the way for Ivakele’s safe return is dearly requested to contact the investigation officer, Detective Sergeant Asanda Hlana on 082 301 8553, or Lieutenant Colonel Denver Kamalie on 082 334 8370, or through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.