Parents warned to monitor children’s safety after tragic washing machine incident

Missing persons organisations have sent out a stern warning to parents and guardians to be aware of places where children can innocently wander off and hide following the disappearance of a six-year-old boy who was found inside a washing machine in his home.

Social media was abuzz with claims that the child’s mother was mentally ill and that he had been found wrapped with a blanket inside the washing machine but this could not be verified or confirmed.

Police have confirmed the sad discovery of the body of the child was found in a washing machine at his home in Cafda, Retreat after his father reported him missing on Friday.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said an inquest docket was opened after a search for the missing boy led to him being found inside the washing machine last Friday at a residence in Ensor Street, Cafda, Retreat.

 "Steenberg police registered an inquest for investigation following an incident on Friday morning, December, which claimed the life of a six year old boy. According to reports the father of the child went to the police station to report the child missing, " he explained.

"Police members went with the father to his Ensor Street home in Cafda, to start and conduct a search for the child. Investigation led the members to a washing machine where the body of the child was found. 

"The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. 

"A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death."

Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU), Candice van der Rheede said while the latest case is very sensitive and as circumstances surrounding the incident are not known, she would like to encourage parents to be vigilant on their children's whereabouts.

“The most important thing is to know where your child is at all times, if your child is playing outside, go and check every two minutes or ask someone.

“Two years ago we had a case of a child who went missing, I asked our members to check the house, under the bed and in the cupboard. 

“If you have a car standing in your yard for years, fridges, washing machines which have not been used for years, get rid of it.

“Our children have inquiring minds when they are playing. They will play hide and seek. They don't want to be found.”

Nine years ago, the Kakamas community was rocked by the deaths of five children who were found inside a freezer.

The children between the ages of three and seven were playing in the backyard of their grandmother’s home when tragedy struck.

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