Staff Reporter
Free State police say they are investigating a case of attempted kidnapping after receiving a report that a Brebner High School learner yesterday nearly fell victim to what seems like a well-planned trend to abduct young girls and women by alleged criminals.
Concerned parents and other residents have been taking to social media in the past few days to express their concerns at the new vice, prompting the provincial education department and the Office of the Premier to issue statements urging parents and women in general to be vigilant when out in public.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele told The Free Stater in a brief telephone interview that they are still in the early stages of the investigation.
“Yes, the incident was reported to us and we are currently investigating,” Makhele said on Friday afternoon.
“Not much detail has been given to us to assist in the investigation,” he added.
“We are still looking at various aspects into matter and we cannot divulge much as this could jeopardise our investigation.”
Provincial education department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the situation is worrying as they have also received reports of a black VW Polo following other learners from the same school.
“It seems like the alleged perpetrators are observing the routine of the learners before pouncing on them,” Ndaba said.
“The learner from Brebner is in Grade 8 and is aged about 14 years old,” he added.
“Details of the vehicle involved in that particular incident are still not clear but the girl was rescued by people who saw what was about to happen.”
The learner is said to have been walking home in the Bayswater area where her school is located.
“We have since issued a warning to parents and learners to avoid following a routine when going to school or coming back home,” Ndaba said.
“Learners and parents shouldn’t always use the same route or travel at the same time because this allows the alleged criminals to study their movements.
“We have also urged learners to move in groups so they don’t become targets.”
Premier Sisi Ntombela said in a statement she was worried defenceless children were being targeted by alleged criminals but warned those behind that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.
“I have been made aware of an attempt to abduct a child at a school in Bloemfontein,” she said.
“I am extremely worried because defenceless children are at the mercy of heartless criminals.
“I am therefore asking parents to ensure that their children are safe at all times.
“These are worrying reports and must not be taken lightly.
“We live in a world where horrific things are done to children . . . we must never let our guard down.
“I also wish to warn child abductors that the law will deal harshly with them because an attack on our children is an attack on all of us.”