The RECORD interviewed the mother and grandmother of the Grade Seven learner who was almost kidnapped at a local school in Alberton.
The family wants to remain anonymous, but the reason they wanted the newspaper to write an article is to set the record straight and to warn parents.
The incident
“I was standing across from the school gate when a male came to me and placed his hands on my breast. I was so shocked. When I tried to walk away he grabbed my hand and did not want to let it go. I managed to free myself and ran towards my mother who was standing at the school gate,” said the girl.
She immediately alerted her mother about what happened.
“She showed me the man who did this and I called our local security company,” said the mother.
The security company arrived and the man was arrested and taken into custody.
Setting the record straight
So many stories regarding this incident were spread on social media.
“Someone said a father killed his daughter and the other story was that it was a family member or one of the school’s teachers who tried to kidnap her, but none of this true,” said the mother.
She urged people to stop spreading false news because it has an emotional effect on the victim and their family.
“It creates unnecessary panic and takes the focus off the incident.”
Comment from Alberton SAPS and Alberton CPF
A 37-year-old male was arrested for acting inappropriately outside a local primary school.
“The suspect is in custody and the docket is with the prosecutor. We urge residents not to spread false information about the incident, as they can be held liable,” said Capt Manare Ramotshela, Alberton SAPS communications officer.
Ramotshela would like to urge members of the public to join the Alberton CPF to help in the fight against crime.
“We urge all parents to be vigilant while dropping off and picking up their children from school and report any suspicious behaviour immediately,” he said.
Creating awareness
The mother and the grandmother said everyone is so focused on the pandemic and everything that goes with it.
“We must not forget that crime is still happening around us. Children of every age, gender and race are vulnerable to abduction,” said the grandmother.
The mother said: “Parents must take extra precautions and set boundaries, especially if their child is walking to school. Make sure your children know about the dangers.”
According to her, it is important to educate children about the dangers in the world.
“Teach them ways or give them safety tips in case of an emergency. Make sure to check in on them while they are walking to school. Children should rather walk in groups,” they said.
Thank you
“We want to say thank you to each and everyone who assisted on the day of the incident. We really appreciate it.”
