A 30-year-old suspect will on Monday, 17 February 2020, appear in the Giyani magistrate’s court on a charge of kidnapping. This after he allegedly snatched a toddler from her mother at Shawela Village, block 23 on 03 February 2020.
The suspect was arrested on 15 February 2020, at about 14:30, during a joint extensive search operation conducted by the members of Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) and Crime Intelligence Unit, following the disappearance of the 19-month-old toddler two weeks ago.
It is alleged that the toddler’s mother had visited the suspect whom she allegedly met through social media. An argument apparently erupted when she wanted to return home. It is understood the suspect followed her up to the local bus stop where he immediately snatched the child from her and disappeared into the nearby bushes.
The Police were notified and they reacted swiftly. A case of kidnapping was then opened and a search operation for both the suspect and the baby was activated. The relentless efforts by the members, assisted by the community paid off when the suspect was ultimately nabbed but the baby is still missing.
Police investigations into the whereabouts of the baby and search operation are ongoing.
Members of the community are cautioned about the dangers associated meeting strangers on social media and thereby trusting them without the necessary vigilance.
Anyone with information that can assist the Police to find the missing child is requested to urgently contact Captain Shilenge at 060 339 1420 or 082 451 7179 or the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
