Missing Worcester woman returns home after 14 days as her brother remains missing

Peter Filander and his sister, Lesrien, went missing after travelling from Worcester to Goodwood for work. Lesrien has since returned home, while Peter remains missing.

One of the missing siblings from Worcester in the Western Cape has returned home 14 days after being reported missing.

Police confirmed that they were still searching for her brother. 

Lesrien, 23, and Peter, known as ‘Pietertjie’, 20, Filander, left their home on Saturday, October 10, at about 12 pm and travelled to Goodwood in Cape Town for an alleged job opportunity. 

Family and friends got worried once the siblings failed to return home, especially Peter, who has a serious medical condition. 

The family was reportedly told that the siblings had been offered work by a man who sold cellphones or arranged cellphone contracts.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, confirmed Lesrien’s return to her home in Worcester over the weekend. 

She said police were still searching for Peter, who was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt. 

Police said investigations were ongoing. 

Founder and director of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit (WCMPU), Candice van der Rheede, said they are continuing with searches for Peter.

However, she also urged people to be wary of what they share on social media. 

“People need to be very careful of who they follow and what posts they share on social media. So many posts are going out, and they are not always from credited persons or organisations.

"People need to check accredited social media pages, as sometimes there are updates that only create unnecessary panic from unverified sources. It should also be noted that it is a criminal offence to lie to SAPS in a statement,” she said. 

Anyone with information about Peter’s whereabouts is urged to contact Worcester detectives at 023 348 8605.

IOL has reached out to the Filander family but did not receive any response by the time of publication.