A two-year-old child, Maia De Bruyn, has been reported missing after she was allegedly taken from Eco Park Estate in mid-December. The case has been reported to the South African Police Service, and a formal investigation is now underway. Her family says they are desperate for answers and are appealing to the public for help in locating her safely.

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Background of the Case: How Maia De Bruyn Went Missing

Maia De Bruyn, born on 26 April 2024, was last seen on 6 December 2025 at around 16:00 at Eco Park Estate. According to her father, Duane de Bruyn, Maia was taken by her mother following a request to travel with the child.

The parents are separated. Duane says consent was initially requested for Maia to fly somewhere, but when he asked for details about the destination and return date, communication stopped. He later discovered that Maia had already left and that no one in the family could confirm where she had been taken.

Maia is described as a one year and eight month old baby with brown curly hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a light blue and white checkered baby outfit.

Police Confirm Case Opened After Abduction Report

The disappearance has been reported to SAPS via the SAPS mobile application under case number REF12017/2025. Duane de Bruyn says he is following up directly at the police station as the investigation continues.

Authorities have not released further details, but the case has been logged as an alleged abduction. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with locating the child.

Family Speaks Out: “Please Help Us Find Maia”

Speaking about the situation, Maia De Bruyn’s father described the past few days as overwhelming and frightening.

“I only became aware afterward that my child had been taken,” he said. “No one knows where Maia is, and all we want is for her to be safe.”

According to Duane, the maternal family has also indicated that they do not know the whereabouts of either the mother or the child. He says the legal situation between the parents has been difficult, and the focus now is entirely on Maia’s safety and return.

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Community Support Grows as Search for Missing 2-year-old Child Continues

Since the case became public, community members and child safety advocates have begun sharing Maia’s details online, urging others to remain alert. Missing children cases involving very young minors often rely heavily on public awareness, particularly in the early stages.

Advocacy groups stress that sharing verified information responsibly can make a critical difference. They caution against speculation and emphasize cooperation with authorities.

Why This Case Was Published: Child Safety and Public Awareness

The publication of this report is not an accusation against any individual. It is a standard response when a child’s whereabouts cannot be verified, and a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service. A child may be last known to be with a parent and still be considered missing if there is no confirmed location, no communication, and no agreed return.

History has shown that uncertainty itself can place a child at risk. One of the most widely cited examples in South Africa is the case of Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. Joshlin was last known to be with her mother when she disappeared. At the time, many believed there was no cause for concern. Later investigations revealed a far more serious situation, and her mother was arrested. That case changed public understanding of how child safety cases are assessed and reported.

For this reason, media outlets, advocacy groups, and community platforms are expected to act when a case is formally reported, regardless of assumptions about who the child may be with. The aim is not to speculate or assign blame, but to ensure visibility, accountability, and the safety of the child.

This article is published in that spirit. The priority remains Maia De Bruyn’s well-being and the importance of confirming her location through lawful and transparent processes.

What Happens Next in the Investigation

The SAPS investigation remains active. Anyone who may have seen Maia De Bruyn, or who has information about her whereabouts since 13 December, is urged to contact SAPS immediately or reach out to her father directly.

Those with information can contact:
Duane de Bruyn: 060 825 6325
or report to SAPS quoting REF12017/2025.

The family continues to appeal for calm, vigilance, and assistance as efforts to locate Maia continue.

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