A search was launched on Friday by the Hercules community in Pretoria and surrounding areas for a seven-year-old girl reported missing following a suspected abduction on Thursday evening.

The incident is reported to have taken place near an open field close to the Mabopane highway.

It is alleged that two men reportedly dragged the girl into the bushes.

From 04:00, Hercules CPF, SAPS, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), private security companies, residents and supporting stakeholders convened at the corner of Da Gama and Claremont streets (where the girl was last seen) and surrounding areas to search for her.

The girl and her parents’ or guardians’ identities are unknown to Pretoria Rekord at this stage.

Hercules CPF Sector 2 operations manager Johan Cloete said it is believed that the abduction took place at 21:00 on Thursday.

“Thank you to all the members of the community, SAPS, search-and-rescue teams, TMPD, security companies and everyone else who came out to help. The search is going well, however, we haven’t been able to find any real clues as yet,” Cloete said.

He said the girl was believed to have been wearing a pink and white onesie at the time of the abduction.

According to Cloete, more information was made known to law enforcement.

Cloete expressed gratitude to the community members who responded to the incident.

“We are blessed and grateful to all the community members who took hands to come and help. This is one of our children and we are here, we want to find this little girl,” Cloete said.

Ward 1 councillor Leon Kruyshaar said fellow neighbourhood kids who were playing in the area witnessed and reported the kidnapping.

“There are approximately 120 people here all searching for this little girl. All I can say is that this is a community that stands together and at times we have differences and disagreements, but when things like this happen, my community stands together.

“We’ve had two choppers and drones in the air, and different police units. The Hercules police are here in full strength so it’s heartwarming to see. Even just normal community members from tow-truck drivers, nurses and homeless people are even searching which is heartwarming,” Kruyshaar said.

Kruyshaar urged parents in the area to be more vigilant of their children’s whereabouts, especially when playing outside.

Anyone with information that can lead to the recovery of the missing child is urged to contact Captain Smith on 082 778 9385 or contact their local police station.

Police were unable to comment on the matter at this stage.

This is a developing story.