Minister Fernandez appeals to public regarding whereabouts of Kwahlelo Tiwane

Minister Sharna Fernandez strongly condemns the kidnapping of Kwahlelo Tiwane, who was abducted on 16 January 2020 in Parow.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) appeals to the public to assist the SAPS by providing any information about the last whereabouts of Kwahlelo.

According to media reports, the mother of the twin boys was approached by a person allegedly presenting herself as a social worker. After accompanying the mother and the children to a taxi in Parow, she subsequently fled with one of the children.

Minister Fernandez said: “We are in the process of investigating how someone was allegedly able to call themselves a social worker and remove the child from the mother. Officials from DSD are also in the process of providing the affected family members of Kwahlelo with psycho-social support, if need be.”

“I would like to alert all members of the public that all social workers appointed by the Department can be recognized with the Western Cape Government name-tag, which should be worn at all times. Members of the public can also confirm by calling their nearest DSD local office, Designated Child Protection Orgranisation, or SAPS. We appeal to all members of society to verify with the South African Council for Social Service Professions on their website,  http://www.sacssp.co.za/contact/ around whether or not the respective social worker is registered.”

DSD holds a zero-tolerance approach towards the abduction, abuse, neglect and murder of children in the province. In the Western Cape, all departments involved  in child safety are working closely together to try and combat abuse and the abduction and kidnapping of children. Consequently, health services have joined forces with police, community safety, social services and NGOs.

“The protection of children is something that must be driven 365 days a year and requires action from the whole of society. All of us need to be doing far more to prevent cases of child abuse, neglect and murder, says Minister Fernandez.”

If anyone requires a social worker or any form of psycho-social support, please contact us on our hotline number on 0800 220 250 or the Department’s After-hours number on 082 227 0478 .