Missing boy found by KZN police and Newcastle journalist
Newcastle Advertiser Journalist Kyle Cowan, who had been instrumental in organising the search for the missing boy from the moment he heard of the alleged abduction, was allowed to accompany police to fetch Marcel
After a massive manhunt and a countrywide chase, 12-year-old Marcel Blandin de Chalain was returned to his parents’ home.
A report in our sister newspaper, the Newcastle Advertiser, highlights the rescue. Johan de Beer, the alleged abductor, rocked up last night at his father’s home in Roodepoort, with Marcel and the stolen bakkie.
It was only after he was shown online media reports and facebook pages that he realised he was in trouble.
He abandoned Marcel and the bakkie at his father’s house, and fled.
Newcastle Advertiser journalist Kyle Cowan, who had been instrumental in organising the search for the missing boy from the moment he heard of the alleged abduction, was allowed to accompany police to fetch Marcel.
The dedicated journalist had spent hours and sleepless nights chasing up every lead along with Newcastle Detective Captain Flip Classens.
Both are true heroes.
Captain Flip Claassen, Warrant Officer Musa Mtshali and Kyle 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.
A full online story will be published by the Newcastle Advertiser tomorrow HERE
