The Free State police have been lauded for their swift action in their rescue of a one-year-old girl kidnapped from a mall in Thabong at the weekend.
THE FREE State police have been lauded for their swift action in their rescue of a one-year-old girl kidnapped from a mall in Thabong at the weekend.
Provincial police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng said a mother came to the Thabong police station to register a missing persons after her one-year and nine-month-old daughter was kidnapped in a mall in Thabong on Saturday.
“Preliminary investigation was conducted by the SAPS members together with Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit members. Video footage from the mall was obtained. A man was seen taking a child and entered with her inside a sedan and drove off from the mall,” said Thakeng.
The suspect is believed to be a traditional healer
The police initiated a search for the toddler and suspect and visited all gatherings of traditional healers in Thabong until they received a tip-off about a property in Bronville.
The child was found safe and brought back to her parents on Sunday.
“A 45-year-old male person was arrested for kidnapping and he will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court soon.”
The Lejweleputswa district commissioner, Major-General Tholie Afonso, said parents must always keep their children close to them especially while shopping and know their whereabouts even at their homes.
The founder of child rights organisation Molo Songololo, Patric Solomon, said they were happy to hear that due to immediate police action the abducted child was found unharmed.
“We commend the quick, thoughtful and effective investigation and search,” said Solomon.
“This abduction shows how vulnerable and at-risk children are. There are many people that come into contact with children who want to harm them. Parents must always be on high alert.
“Public spaces as well as children’s own homes are not 100% safe spaces. Always keep an eye on children and put in place strategies to prevent and combat child abuse and child abductions and kidnappings.
“With older children, parents must ensure they have information and skills to help keep children safe and protected.”
