Tersia Gopi
Three schoolgirls were allegedly hijacked and kidnapped while on their way to school this morning, May 21, Newcastle Advertiser reports.
It is believed the girls were being transported by a family member, and were on their way from Madadeni to Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, when the incident occurred.
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It has been confirmed the girls are learners at the Newcastle Islamic College.
The principal of the school confirmed the incident, and said the matter was being investigated by the police.
According to a reliable source, the girls are said to be in grades 1, 4 and 6.
SAPS have been contacted, and an official response is expected.
A photo of the girls has been shared on social media, and Newcastle residents are frantically posting to reach as many people as possible, in hopes of finding the girls.
The photo of the missing girls, that is being shared on social media in hopes of finding them.
The vice-principal at the Islamic College confirmed the parents were last spoken to at 10.30am, and no developments had arisen since.
“The parents of the missing children are distraught, as one can imagine,” she said.
Newcastle Crisis Centre director Mary Dobbie said she alerted her staff that, should the girls present themselves at the centre, the families and authorities would be contacted immediately.
“In a situation like this, the best the community can do is be vigilant. I urge all parents to know where their children are at all times, especially in the winter months, when it is dark. Please take care of children that are transported,” she said.
“The girls and their families are in our prayers. We hope they will be found soon and returned safely.”
Police have yet to confirm the description and details of the vehicle used in the hijacking/kidnapping case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact SAPS on 034-314-6235 or 034-3146600/02.
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