Centurion boy (14) ‘robbed, kidnapped’
The incident happened close to Hoërskool Zwartkop on the Old Johannesburg Road.
A 14-year-old Hoërskool Centurion learner suffered a minor concussion when he was allegedly kidnapped and robbed of his cellphone on Sunday afternoon.
The incident happened close to Hoërskool Zwartkop on the Old Johannesburg Road.
Johann Barnard told his parents he was going for a jog around the block around 14:30, his mother Sharron said.
At the same time, the parents left to do some grocery shopping. When they returned an hour later, their son was still not back.
“We tried phoning Johann, as he always carries his phone with him, but there was no answer,” said Sharron.
His father David took his car and followed the route their son normally took when he went out for a jog.
“He could not find him. We immediately knew something was wrong. Minutes later we saw Johann standing in front of the driveway. I opened the gate and asked ‘Where were you? We were worried about you’.”
She said all their son could remember was a red vehicle with two men pulling up next to him.
“Johann said he tried to run away. When he woke up, he was in an ‘unknown area’, close to Kerksondermure. He asked an elderly couple for help and if they could take him back home.
“We are just relieved that our son is unharmed and safely back home,” said Sharron.
His cellphone was traced to 14 Rantkant Cres, Centurion central.
READ MORE: Attempted kidnapping traumatises teen from east
Wierdabrug police spokesperson Captain Agnes Huma said a case of common robbery was opened on Sunday.
“The incident is under investigation,” said Huma.
A similar incident happened in the east of Pretoria last week, when a 17-year-old boy was allegedly run over by a car.
Llewellyn Ferreira, a learner at Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, went out for a run in Lynnwood Glen when he noticed a car driving past him.
His parents believe that it might have been a possible kidnapping attempt.
Lyttelton police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said that no similar cases have been reported at Lyttelton.
“There is a trend of suspects driving around. In terms of abduction, no cases have been reported.”
Miller urged residents to make use of the following safety tips:
– When walking or jogging, do not advertise your valuables such as cellphones
– Be aware of your surroundings. It is a huge risk to go for a walk or jogging using headphones
– Always take a small bottle of pepper spray with you. It is also a good idea to take a whistle with you to draw attention when suspecting any suspicious activities
– When you do come across wrong-doers, do not resist them. Hand over the demanded items.
Miller said community members should report cases to the police, “or else it will stay a viral myth”.
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