Marcel Blandin de Chalain has been found and returned to his parents’ home in Newcastle, KZN.

Information was received late yesterday afternoon that the suspect had arrived at his father’s house in Roodepoort, with the stolen vehicle and the missing child.

After his father confronted him, the suspect was shown various Facebook updates and messages and, realising he was in trouble, fled, leaving Marcel at his father’s home, along with the vehicle.

Captain Flip Claassen, Warrant Officer Musa Mtshali and a journalist from the Newcastle Advertiser, raced through to Roodepoort, and returned Marcel to his home early this morning, safe and sound.

At this stage, it can only be confirmed Marcel claimed he did not go along with the suspect willingly, and was told to be quiet whenever other people were around.

Adri Blandin de Chalain expressed a tearful gratitude towards the scores of people who had helped to return Marcel safely.