UPDATE: Missing child – Surveillance footage gathered as evidence

Exclusive video footage reveals early whereabouts of the suspected kidnapper, Johan de Beer.

May 20, 2014

Kyle Cowan 2 minutes read

Surveillance footage gathered from Keyway Motors filling station in Madadeni positively identified Marcel Blandin de Chalain with the suspect, Johan de Beer on Sunday afternoon.

Between 4.30pm and 5pm, the vehicle was observed at the garage, where the young boy exited the vehicle alone, with a pellet gun. This was then sold to the petrol attendants for R100, allegedly for money for diesel.

The footage distinctly showed a third occupant in the vehicle, who was an alleged hitch-hiker, who the suspect used to gather more money for diesel.

At this stage the last official sighting was at 5pm yesterday afternoon in Bloemfontein. A further case of theft has been opened against the suspect, as he had allegedly driven off with other hitch hikers bags still in the back of the vehicle.

Crime intelligence officers in Bloemfontein are working around the clock to monitor notorious car dealers in the area, hoping to catch the suspect while he attempts to sell the stolen vehicle.

Thanks was given to Mike Venter of South African Community Crime Watch and the owners of Keyway Motors for their assistance in retrieving this vital evidence, which added critical evidence to the case.

A further interview with the family shed light on the relationship between Marcel and his family. According to the father, Marcel was a willful young man who would say no when asked to complete a task he did not want to.

“He threatened to run away if I did not put him in the hostel,” said Ricardo Blandin de Chalain, the father. “I told him no, because our arguments were usually forgotten the next day.”

Border police stations have been notified, and the vehicle’s description circulated countrywide.

Investigating officer, Captain Flip Claassen said he was confident the vehicle would be located soon, with the amount of resources which has been brought to bear on the case.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Captain Claassen on 073 5000 453.