Tembisa SAPS is warning members of the community about the increasing number of children being kidnapped this festive season.
According to the Tembisa SAPS communications officer, Const Patricia Mgijima, the police are encouraging parents to know about their children’s whereabouts and safety.
Mgijima said criminals ask for ransom in order to extort money from the parents.
“Children are being kidnapped for a ransom. Two cases of kidnapping have been opened at Sebenza SAPS and Olifantsfontein SAPS.
In the Sebenza policing precinct, a 17-year-old was allegedly kidnapped by three males and a ransom was demanded to be deposited at Shoprite. Police worked tirelessly and the child was reunited with his family,” she added.
Mgijima said in a separate but similar incident, a six-year-old child from Clayville was playing with friends when she was grabbed and forced into a silver Mazda with unknown registration numbers by unknown men.
“It is alleged there were three male suspects. They also demanded a ransom, of which the parents managed to pay R2 000 via Pep Money Market. The child was found abandoned at a shopping centre in Kaalfontein near Ebony Park,” explained Mgijima.
She said parents are urged to always be vigilant, especially now schools are closed. Always know your child’s whereabouts and never leave children unattended or without adult supervision.
“Teach your children not to talk to strangers or to not receive any gifts from strangers. Avoid locking children in the house as they might take in harmful substance or decide to cook, which may cause a fire. Always report a missing person immediately to the nearest police station. There is no waiting period to report a missing person. You can still report them as missing even though you do not have a photo of the missing person, and forward it later.
“Keep your contact numbers visible and let children memorise them. In case of an emergency where police are needed, always remember this number: 0860010111 or the emergency number: 112,” said Mgijima.
Residents are encouraged to know their sector vehicle cellphone number, sector manager’s cellphone number and the police station telephone number.
