A seven-year-old child was rushed to hospital with critical injuries after being assaulted on a farm in Upper Tongaat, KZN, yesterday morning.

The child was assaulted, allegedly by a relative, and was found with serious injuries to the head and neck.

The child’s sibling, a three-year-old toddler, was also reported missing, allegedly kidnapped by the same relative.

This prompted a widespread search in the surrounding area, near Esenembe, with Umhlali K9 and IPSS Search and Rescue teams scouring the area with assistance from members of the community.

The search was called off last night and resumed early this morning.

This is a developing story. North Coast Courier will publish more information as it becomes available.