Man arrested after attempting to kidnap five-year-old child at Vangate Mall
MOB: Bystanders outside Shoprite across from Vangate Mall observing the arrest.
Image: Screenshot
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an alleged attempted kidnapping at Vangate Mall in Athlone, after he reportedly tried to snatch a five-year-old girl from her mother while they were shopping on Saturday morning, Daily Voice has reported.
According to reports, the child was walking with her mother when the suspect attempted to pull the girl away. The child’s father, who was nearby, intervened and managed to stop the abduction.
Following the confrontation, the suspect is believed to have fled towards the Shoprite store located within the mall in an apparent attempt to hide from angry members of the public. Eyewitness video footage shows a crowd gathering around a police van, shouting threats and obscenities at the suspect.
Bystanders shouting at the alleged skelm.
Image: Supplied
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and stated: “At approximately 10.30am, a mother was walking with her five-year-old daughter, holding her hand, when an unidentified male attempted to pull the child away. A struggle ensued, and the father intervened.”
The suspect was arrested at the scene and placed under police guard at a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Although video footage circulating online shows officers detaining another individual outside Shoprite, police have confirmed only one arrest in connection with the case. A case of attempted kidnapping has been opened.
VAS: Man was taken by cops, though police only confirmed one arrest
Image: Screenshot
The parents and the child have since received counselling at the Athlone Victim Support Room.
Candice van der Rheede, founder of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, particularly during the busy festive season. She recommended that children be kept at home when visiting crowded shopping centres, if possible.
“People need to be alert and know their children's whereabouts at all times,” Van der Rheede told the Daily Voice. “Even if your child is playing outside in front of your house, there must be adult supervision. It takes only a few seconds for someone to snatch a child and disappear.”
She added: “If you must take your children with you to the mall, keep them under constant supervision. Your eyes need to be on them all the time. If you can leave them safely at home with a trusted adult, that is always the better option.”
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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