According to the SAPS Facebook page, on Saturday, a 30-year-old man was arrested by members of Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) and Crime Intelligence Unit after a 19-month-old toddler disappeared on 3 February.
On Monday, the suspect appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on a charge of kidnapping.
The toddler’s mother allegedly visited a man who she met through social media. It’s alleged that they had an argument and she returned home. According to the SAPS, it is believed the woman was followed by the suspect to the local bus stop at Shawela Village, Block 23. Where he allegedly grabbed the child and fled into the nearby bushes.
The Police were alerted, and a case of kidnapping was opened. A search operation was activated to look for both the suspect and the toddler.
The suspect was eventually found after a very persistent and extensive search by Police members and the community, but the baby is still missing.
Police are still investigating the whereabouts of the toddler and the search operation is still ongoing.
If anyone has information that could assist the Police in finding the missing toddler, please contact Captain Shilenge at 060 339 1420 or 082 451 7179 or the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station.
