Kidnapping victim may be home safe but battles to eat and suffers from nightmares

Eight-year-old Amahle Mthimkhulu, who was kidnapped in Stanger last Wednesday, has had nightmares every single night since being reunited with her parents.

The young Dawnview Primary School pupil was allegedly kidnapped by a woman outside her school last week while waiting for her afternoon transport to arrive.

The kidnapping sent Amahale’s parents and the police on a wild game of cat and mouse in a near 48-hour long ordeal to rescue her.

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Today however, Amahle’s life and that of her parents have been changed forever as they now try and piece together just how to get their daughter back into a normal routine where she can feel safe again.

“When she was returned to us we first took her to Netcare Alberlito to see if she was healthy or if she had been drugged,” said a stressed Mbali.

“Amahle is not sleeping because of the bad dreams she keeps having. She is struggling to eat as well, so we are taking her for counselling.”

THE EFFECTS OF KIDNAPPING:

According to a study by the APA, it was found that survivors of abduction or kidnapping often experience a sensory overload after a period of captivity or isolation in which their freedom was placed at risk.

The APA elaborates that survivors of kidnapping and/or abduction can experience a variety of stress reactions which influences their thinking, emotions and interaction with others.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Crowd storms Umhlali police station chasing man falsely accused of kidnapping children

The APA says that when hostages are released, it is essential for them to:

“Receive medical attention. Be in a safe and secure environment.

“Connect with loved ones. Have an opportunity to talk or journal their experience if and when they choose.

“Receive counselling, particularly if their distress from the incident is interfering with their daily lives.

“Family and friends can support survivors by listening, being patient and focusing on their freedom instead of engaging in negative talk about the captors.”

THE KIDNAPPING OF AMAHLE:

After frantically trying to find her daughter, Amahle’s mother, Mbali, was contacted by the alleged kidnappers that night, demanding that a ransom be paid within 24 hours for her child’s safe release.

Amahle’s parents reached out to the police for help and a province-wide search began in earnest.

The police initiated a trace on the kidnapper’s phone and set up a sting operation to rescue the young girl and capture her kidnappers.

The joint operation between KwaDukuza SAPS detectives, Umhlali K9 Search and Rescue, Ilembe Task Team members and the Hawks saw two alleged kidnappers successfully apprehended.

ALSO READ: KwaDukuza pupil (8) allegedly kidnapped while waiting for her ride home

“In a controlled operation the cash was paid to the kidnappers which led the police officers to Gateway shopping centre in Umhlanga where one of the suspects was found,” said SAPS provincial spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker.

The woman, aged 26, was immediately arrested when she attempted to collect the ransom. Police were then led to the vehicle where an additional suspect was arrested and Amahle was found safe and unharmed.

Both of the accused in the kidnapping case, Sizwe Mpanza (30) and Nondumiso Ngema (26), appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They will remain in police custody until their next appearance on November 1.

A MOTHER’S GRATITUDE:

Amahle’s mother Mbali said she was overwhelmed with the joint efforts of all the authorities involved in the rescue of their daughter.

“I am out of words. I don’t know how to thank everybody.

“Only God knows how my heart is skipping by the work they did in finding my daughter.

“Thanks to all the police officers who also took part in spreading the news and searching for her,” she said.

Speaking to the Courier, Mbali explained that although she is beyond grateful that her daughter has been returned to her and her husband, she is fearful now more than ever for her daughter’s safety and is considering enrolling her in a different school due to security concerns.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi said that schools need to do more to protect and ensure the safety of pupils, especially while pupils wait for their transport to arrive.

“Since the incident we have been in talks with schools to get them to up security measures.

“We are also looking at ways which we can improve on the security at these schools and perhaps get them to utilise the services of a security company,” Mahlambi said.

He added that the option to use security services is something that every school’s own governing body would have to approve.

“We as the Department of Education appeal to all schools to do more to protect pupils as we already know that these children can be tampered with,” said Mahlambe.

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