Cape Town – A 40-year-old man was rescued from an angry community in the Eastern Cape after being found with a missing five-year-old girl.
The incident began when the girl’s mother was informed of her daughter’s disappearance and learned from the community that she had been seen leaving with the man, prompting the mother to report a kidnapping.
“It is alleged that on Monday, 18 September 2023 at about 10:15, the complainant (26) was informed by her mother that her 5-year-old child, Sesam Gcolotela was missing. The mother rushed home and learnt from the community that they had seen the child leaving with a man. A case of kidnapping was opened,” police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said.
On the following day, the suspect was spotted with the child in a minibus taxi by the community.
#sapsEC A man (40) was rescued yesterday, 19/09 from further physical wrath of the community when he was found with a 5-year-old girl who was reported #kidnapped on Monday, 18/09. The child was taken for medical examination and was reunited with her family. NP… pic.twitter.com/WJIhU4VERZ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 20, 2023
The angry mob pulled him from the vehicle and assaulted him, but law enforcement officials intervened.
“The suspect was spotted with the child in York Street in Madeira by the community. It is alleged that the suspect was sitting inside the minibus taxi with the child. The community pulled him out of the vehicle and severely assaulted him with stones and sticks. At that stage KSD Law Enforcement officials were patrolling and immediately intervened. SAPS Madeira Crime Prevention members who were also close by, assisted.
“The angry mob increased in numbers and demanded the release of the suspect. The suspect was taken to hospital via ambulance for treatment. He is currently under police guard in hospital and will be detained upon discharge on a charge of kidnapping. The suspect is unknown to the child or her family,” said Naidu.
The child was medically examined and reunited with her family, while an additional case of attempted murder was opened in relation to the suspect’s assault.
The police urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant but emphasised that taking the law into one’s own hands is not the appropriate response.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
