A 45-YEAR-old woman from Steinkopf has been reunited with her family, two decades after her disappearance, thanks to the intervention of Nama Khoi Municipality, the police and the Heavenly Promise Safe House.

Nama Khoi Municipality spokesperson Jason Milford said Lynette Cloete, 45, vanished without a trace after her father’s funeral 20 years ago.

“Originally from Steinkopf, Lynette was suffering from memory loss and was reported to be living with a man in Arniston in the Western Cape. She refused to discuss the man, leading to suspicions that she may have been held against her will and was being abused,” he said.

Milford added that the Arniston police contacted Lana O'Neill, the founder of the Heavenly Promise Safe House in Bredasdorp, as they were concerned for Cloete’s safety.

“The safe house is renowned for protecting abused women and children in the Western Cape. O’Neil contacted me and I brought the case to the attention of the municipal Speaker, Dr Gustav Bock.”

Milford explained that funding was sourced from the political wing to assist in facilitating Cloete’s return.

“Upon her arrival in Steinkopf, memories of her home town were rekindled and she was welcomed by her mother, Francis Cloete, 71, with tears of joy on February 13. She was devastated to learn about her father’s death in 2006 as she was unable to recall his burial.”

Lynette Cloete and her mother, Francis Cloete. Picture: Jason Milford

Milford added that the Steinkopf community, offering their support to the family, welcomed Lynette home with open arms.

Dr Bock described the emotional yet joyful reunion as a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of communal collaboration.

“It serves as a reminder that the path home is always possible, no matter how long it takes,” he said.

Steinkopf resident Lynette Cloete was reunited with her family following intervention from the Nama Khoi Municipality, the SAPS and Heavenly Promise Safe House. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, visited the Waterboer family from Nababeep yesterday, following the disappearance of young David Waterboer.

Department spokesperson Rennie Andrias said the 14-year-old boy went missing on February 7.

“Koloi assured the family that the provincial government and the SAPS would do everything possible to search for him,” said Andrias. “The MEC has received a comprehensive briefing from the investigating officer on the case.”

Andrias urged the Nababeep community and the entire Namakwa District to allow the police the necessary space to conduct their investigation and report back with evidence-based findings.