Western Cape police discovered the body of a young boy, aged between five and six, inside a washing machine at his family home in Cafda Village, Retreat.
The grim find occurred on Friday morning after the boy’s father reported him missing at the Steenberg police station. Officers accompanied the father back to the residence on Ensor Street to assist with a search of the property.
During the search, police located the child’s body concealed in the washing machine. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The father reported the child missing, and police members proceeded to the home to conduct a search,” Twigg said. “The investigation led to the discovery of the body in the washing machine. A post-mortem examination will be performed to establish the cause of death.”
No arrests have been made, and the probe remains ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.