Investigations are underway after an 8-year-old boy, who was reported missing in Nyanga on Friday, was later found inside a locked classroom at Hlengisa Primary School in Nyanga.

The Western Cape Police Captain FC Van Wyk has confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Nyanga registered a missing person’s report for investigation. This case was transferred to Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS) for further investigation.

According to Van Wyk, the school’s caretaker locked all the classrooms on Friday after a school function. Following an extensive search for the boy, the school’s principal opened the school on Sunday for Nyanga FCS members to search the premises and classes.

“The child was found in a classroom at the school. He was questioned and handed over to personnel of the Department of Social Development.”

According to reports, the child did not want to return to his foster home over living condition concerns. The child was then removed and placed in another foster home.

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, says the department is investigating the matter, including the living conditions.

Londt added that the children at the foster home have been safeguarded and are receiving the necessary support.

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