Police in Free State have reported that a 45-year-old traditional healer has been apprehended after the alleged kidnapping of a minor at the Thabong shopping mall.
According to reports, on January 6, a woman, 33, went to the Thabong police station to submit a missing person file following the kidnapping of her daughter, who was one year and nine months old.
Police explain how the events unfolded from the video footage that saw the suspect drive off from the mall in a sedan.
It has been reported that during a hurried search of traditional healers in Thabong, information about the suspect was gathered.
“A 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, entering with her inside the sedan, and driving off from the mall.
“The police initiated the search and visited all the gatherings of traditional healers in Thabong, until the information came about Extension 15 Hani Park Bronville.
“The child was found safe and brought back to the parents. A 45-year-old male was arrested for kidnapping, and he will appear soon in Welkom Magistrate’s Court,” the police reported.
Major General Tholie Afonso, the district commissioner of Lejweleputswa, has issued a strong warning to parents, asking them to keep a tight eye on their kids at all times, especially when they’re out shopping, and to be aware of their locations even when they’re at home.
The Star