Nikela crossing guard speaks about his heroic deed
Two children were already in the car and on hearing me scream at them, they jumped out.
The crossing guard who saved Nikela Primary School pupils from possibly being abducted has spoken to us about the incident.
On Tuesday afternoon, crossing guard Themba Miya chased away suspicious-looking people sitting in a Toyota Tazz outside the school. He believes the occupants of the vehicle were trying to abduct schoolchildren.
Rumours have been going around about missing children, not only in this town but in Durban townships as well. Durban police have, however, confirmed that the rumours in their part of the country were false and part of a hoax.
KZN MEC for Social Development Weziwe Thusi was quoted in an article in one of the Ladysmith Gazette’s sister paper, saying, “They (people spreading false rumours) are wasting the police’s precious time and resources, which could be better utilised elsewhere”.
However, the incident at Nikela Primary School in Steadville appears to be real, and the crossing guard who was the ‘hero of the day’ thinks it is important to keep a close eye on these children in case the would-be kidnappers should try again. He spoke to the Ladysmith Gazette about this week’s incident.
“When I saw a suspicious-looking car parking next to the school, I asked myself what they wanted. Then I suddenly saw children running towards the car. I screamed at them because I know those kids and I was frightened that something bad might happen to them,” explained Themba.
“I ordered the kids away from the car. Two children were already in the car and on hearing me scream at them, they jumped out. The driver of the Tazz and his passenger looked at me before speeding away. I really believe they intended to harm the children.” The matter has since been reported to Ladysmith police, who are investigating.
Crossing guards in the area had become more vigilant after a child was reported missing at a nearby school, sparking worries of kidnapping in the wake of all the stories going around. The child was later found drowned on the school premises.
