The plans of an alleged kidnapper were thwarted by two alert parents in Amanzimtoti Main Beach, saving the child from abduction.
A lucky young boy escaped abduction after his quick-thinking parents came to his rescue. South Coast Sun reported on the incident on 10 December 2024, and shared a video showing the whole ordeal.
CHILD ESCAPES ABDUCTION
South Coast Sun reports that there was an attempted child abduction in Amanzimtoti, Durban, on 8 December 2024. The incident occurred outside a food outlet at Amanzimtoti Main Beach. The parents of the child reportedly caught the man in the act.
The video shows the child being picked up by the man and him trying to run away with the boy. The child screamed and the noticed what was happening and quickly ran towards the man carrying their son and he let the child go. The man was allegedly later arrested.
CHILD ABDUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA
This attempted abduction has yet again highlighted the importance of being safety-conscious. The South African spoke to criminologist and National Coordinator at Missing Children South Africa, Bianca van Aswegen, about the missing children crisis and kidnappings. She explained:
“Unfortunately, there are no statistics available, the Missing Persons Bureau of SAPS has last released stats in 2013 regarding missing children. But as an organisation we see an increasing number of children going missing. This is due to the number of cases reported to us. Kidnappings have escalated tremendously in South Africa and Trafficking in Persons is a real and prominent threat.”
Regarding child safety, especially during this busy time of the year, van Aswegen said: “It is vital to educate yourself on safety measures and also safety tips for children. We are heading into the festive season where it is a very busy time at our shopping malls etc. That does pose a danger to the safety of children.”
SAFETY TIPS TO KNOW
- Make sure your child knows their name, parents names and mobile number.
- Teach your children the “Buddy system,” which is always taking a friend or someone with you when going somewhere.
- Come up with a password or code word that you will use with your children.
- When on holiday, familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Ensure you and your children know where the police station and hospital are for emergencies.
- Always keep a recent picture of your child with you.
- Know where your child is at all times.
- Teach your children to stay away from strangers and people they don’t trust.
Van Aswegen also explained what parents should know and do if something happens. “It is also vital to know that there is no waiting period in reporting a person or a child as missing. People still believe that they have to wait 24 hours, that does not exist at all. The quicker the case get reported the quicker action can be taken.”
WHAT MEASURES HAVE YOU PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD?
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