Stellenbosch siblings missing from foster home found at biological mother's home

Three Stellenbosch siblings who went missing from a foster home last week, have been found in their biological mother's house. 

Brothers Asanele, 7, Anele Siteleku, 8, and their sister Olwethu, 11, vanished from the Kayamandi informal settlement on Friday. 

Western Cape Social Development MEC Albert Fritz said the three were found on Thursday morning, following efforts by social workers and the police.

They were reported missing by their foster mother after they disappeared from the Safe Care Home, where they were placed by the department last year.

"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," he said.

He said the children were placed in the home due to an unsafe and unsuitable home environment.

Fritz said investigations into the disappearance of the siblings led the social workers and police to their biological mother’s home.

"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."

He said the children would be placed in a more secure place of safety while social workers tried to determine a way forward.

Source: News24