CAPE TOWN – The family of 34-year-old Dean Pepler are relieved he has been found and has returned home safely.

Dean vanished on Christmas evening (25 December) around 21:00 in Lakeside, Cape Town and left his family worried sick.

On late Friday afternoon his mother Lynne Pepler confirmed that Dean still hasn’t been found. Prior to that he spotted around 06:00 in Cavendish. Dean is autistic and urgently required medication.

When Lynne spoke to Nova News on Saturday (27 December) morning she sounded much lighter than the day before.

“Dean was found late on Friday evening (26 December) in Observatory. His shoes was also stolen and his feet are quite sore. Otherwise Dean is fine and resting. We are really relieved that he safe and at home.” Lynne says.

This article has been updated since it was initially published.