Johannesburg - Gauteng’s Department of Social Development (GDSD) MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza on Thursday dispatched a team of social workers to assist a traumatised Soweto family after their 14-month-old child was kidnapped this week.
“As a people and government of Gauteng, our hearts are with the Mambo family. I have asked that a team of social workers should immediately visit the family to provide them with the necessary psycho-social support including debriefing and trauma counselling. We share their pain and assure them of our unwavering support during this difficult time. As the custodians of the Children’s Act we will work closely with the police to ensure that this child is reunited with his parents,” Mayathula-Khoza said.
The 14-month-old, Siya Mambo, was abducted on Tuesday during a house robbery. The baby’s mother was followed home by two suspects. They forced their way into her Protea Glen, Soweto home and demanded money from the mother and the baby’s nanny.
The suspects then forced the mother into her car and drove her to an ATM to withdraw money.
When they returned to her house they abducted the baby, and took cellphones, clothes and other items.
They tied up the mother and nanny before fleeing the house.
“One cannot judge but nothing can ever justify placing a child’s life in danger. He is just an innocent child who knows nothing, we plead with anyone who knows anything about this crime to please come forward by contacting Colonel Van Wyk on 0823087487,” Mayathula-Khoza said.
African News Agency