According to sources within the town camera room, the vehicle was spotted driving up Victoria Road at approximately 9.30pm last night. No sightings, official or unofficial, have been reported since. Police officials on patrol were making use of social media sites to attend scenes where the vehicle was reportedly last seen.

“No case was opened, as the mother was too traumatised by the disappearance of her son,” said Captain Shooz Magudulela, police spokesperson. When provided with a case number received from the parents, he stated that he would only be able to give official comment after a morning meeting.

A police source confirmed that the docket had been officially opened as a missing persons case. Journalists and police officers will soon be on the ground searching an area the child was allegedly seen walking with the suspect, at approximately 3pm yesterday afternoon.

Marcel was last seen with the suspect, known as Johan de Beer, leaving his home in a white Ford Ranger light-duty vehicle, also at approximately 3pm on Sunday. Marcel has dark hair, blue eyes and answers to the nickname ‘Bollie’.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Flip Claassen on 079 5000 453, who has confirmed that the situation is being treated as a missing persons case.