Police in Ulundi have urged community members to remain vigilant and strengthen measures to protect children following a reported incident involving the attempted abduction of a child in the Nkonjeni area.

According to Sergeant Zungu of the Social Crime Prevention Unit at Ulundi police station, a member of the Nkonjeni Community Policing Forum (CPF) reported an incident involving a 17-year-old.

It is alleged that the teenager was playing in the street when a silver-grey Toyota Avanza, which was unfamiliar in the area, approached.

Teen’s account raises concerns

According to the report, the teenager said they were approached by occupants of the vehicle and later could not clearly remember what happened. The teen further alleged that they regained consciousness in an unfamiliar location, where other children and an elderly woman were present.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still subject to investigation, as the family is expected to formally open a case at Ulundi police station.

Police appeal for vigilance

Zungu urged parents and caregivers to closely monitor their children and educate them about the dangers of speaking to or accepting lifts from strangers. He also appealed to community members to report any information that may help police investigations, particularly regarding a silver-grey Toyota Avanza allegedly linked to the incident.

Child safety remains a priority

Police emphasised that cases involving missing or abducted children are treated with the utmost seriousness and stressed the importance of co-operation between law enforcement and the community in ensuring the safety of children.

Investigations will continue once a formal case has been opened, and police have encouraged anyone with information that could assist to contact their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop hotline.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.