Residents defend man accused of kidnapping 2-year-old girl
Elroy Claasen Photo: Supplied Elroy Claasen Photo: Supplied
Residents in Connaught Estate have come out in defence of a 27-year-old man who was arrested after being accused of kidnapping a 2-year-old girl in Elsies River two weeks ago.
The 25-year-old mother of the child had screamed for help at the Tehillah Centre in Leonsdale, claiming the man had snatched her child from their trolley and then tried to rape both her and her child when she caught up with him.
But the man’s mother and people in his community say it’s a lie and he was actually trying to help her.
“He is not a rapist or a kidnapper. That woman asked him to help her carry her heavy load and he did,” his mother says.
His cousin, Rachel Reyners, says they were shocked and angered when they heard how Claasen was falsely accused and beaten up.
“We were allowed to visit him in the cells and he was crying. He said the mother had been drunk, and she never had a trolley.
“She promised to give him R10 to carry her bags and when they got to the other side, he asked for his money and she said: ‘No’.
“She then offered him two beers and a halfie Zorba. He does not drink. He refused and left her.
“She threw her child to the ground and he turned back to help and she soema decided to accuse him.
“We are opening a case against her and also the people who assaulted him,” she said.
Other residents described Claasen as helpful and trustworthy, as he walks their children to school, and even draws pensioners’ Sassa money.
Claasen is being held in Goodwood Prison and is back in court on October 9.