An intensive search to safely reunite a 2-year-old girl with
her loved ones in Kirkwood after being kidnapped earlier this month, had a
positive outcome when the toddler was found by the Tsitsikamma K9-unit in
Knysna yesterday morning, Tuesday, August 17.
The toddler was playing outside her residence on August 4, 2021
when she disappeared.
A woman who was allegedly spotted with the missing girl, was
circulating on various social media platforms in the vicinity of Knysna on
Monday, August 16, 2021, alerting authorities to her whereabouts. Members
attached to the Tsitsikamma K9 responded to the information and embarked on an
intensive search for the pair, first without any success.
Police spokesperson, Sgt. Christopher Spies, said that the search
for the pair resumed at first light yesterday morning. “When the members
visited a number of homes at White Location after receiving a hint, members
pounced on a residence situated in Rolihlahla Street and ensued with a search
of the house. They then found the toddler asleep in one of the rooms,” Spies explained.
“The police subsequently arrested the 21-year-old woman on a
charge of kidnapping. She remains in custody and will be transferred to the
Eastern Cape where she is expected to make a court appearance once charged,” he
added.
Meanwhile, the toddler was admitted at a local hospital for
medical assessment.
Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Thembisile
Patekile, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensure that the rights of
women and children are protected as the most vulnerable in society. He thanked
the members for their persistence in ensuring a safe return of the missing girl.
Patekile also welcomed the arrest of the suspect who, with her conduct,
threatened the wellbeing of toddler.
