GQEBERHA – A Motherwell girl (6) was allegedly kidnapped at her home nine days ago by her aunt as Motherwell SAPS seeks community assistance in tracing Abigail Prins.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, reports indicate that on Saturday, 21 March 2026, Abigail’s mother was at her residence in Ncinana Mjondolo Street, NU 29, Motherwell.
“During the evening, Abigail’s aunt also arrived at the house, and they were consuming alcohol. At approximately 21:00, the mother and her boyfriend went to bed, leaving the aunt to sleep in the same room as her two children, aged 6 and 4 years.”
According to the mother, Joline Prins, on Sunday morning, 22 March 2026, she realised that her sister, Christine Prins and Abigail were not in the house. “I went to look for her at Christine’s house, who was living with her boyfriend, Tebogo Maranki in Ikamvelihle, but they were not there.”
Joline added that Christine had been homeless for over two years and only returned for the first time a day before Abigail’s disappearance. “We did not have any argument leading up to the kidnapping. She does not normally take Abigail without our permission. Christine normally walks to the shop with her, but they always come back.”
Speaking about her sister, Joline said that Christine was always secretive. “She would not share anything about her life nor her relationship. All I know is that she just came back from Grahamstown.”
Joline claimed that Christine’s boyfriend Maranki had not been to work since Abigail’s disappearance. “Maranki recently went to his mother’s house. She asked where Abigail was, to which he said he does not know. When asked again, the story changed to him telling Christine to return Abigail,” claimed Joline.
“If it were not her aunt, Abigail would not go with strangers, but this was family. She trusted her,” Joline said. “They are not strangers to each other. Abigail was so excited to see her aunt when she arrived.”
After exhausting all efforts to locate them, Joline reported the matter on Tuesday, 24 March to SAPS Motherwell, where a case of kidnapping was opened for further investigation.
The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), together with SAPS Motherwell, the K9 Unit, and the Airwing, have since launched an extensive search operation. The motive for the aunt taking Abigail remains unknown.
Joline shared, “Abigail is a girl with medical needs. When she has not eaten for long, she gets weak. When it is hot, her nose bleeds heavily. These are medical needs Christine is unaware of and unable to manage. All I want is my child back. If she disappears again, it’s fine, the police will get her. I just want my child.”
Pleading with her sister, Joline said, “It has been at least a week now. Please bring her home.”
Police are also seeking the whereabouts of Christine Prins and Tebogo Maranki, who are regarded as persons of interest and may be able to assist in locating Abigail. “Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to come forward,” she said.
Anyone who may have information that can assist in locating Abigail is urged to contact Warrant Officer Siyanda Voyi on 0825650866 or Detective Sergeant Zukiswa Feni on 071 352 4604.
“All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” Janse Van Rensburg concluded.
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