Come forward if child at risk: plea

THE KZN Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Hawks, have made a heartfelt appeal to communities to come forward when a child is at risk and to work with police in saving children’s lives.

This follows horrific allegations relating to the appearance in Durban Regional Court yesterday of a 40-yearold Swazi national who has been charged with the rape and abduction of his 13-yearold stepdaughter, as well as the abduction of his two younger children aged 5 and 7.

According to KZN Hawks spokesman, captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, the 13-year-old was allegedly repeatedly raped by the man until she fell pregnant.

The suspect allegedly abducted all three children in Swaziland last year and a case was opened in Mbabane. The docket was handled by Interpol, who contacted South African police for assistance as they believed the suspect may have crossed the border with the children.

According to Mhlongo, the Hawks followed up on information that the suspect was in Jozini in northern Zululand.

“When we located the children on Sunday, the suspect ran away into the bush. We pursued him until we arrested him on Tuesday,” said Mhlongo last night.

The children remain in a place of safety, and now include a 5-month-old baby belonging to the 13-year-old. Their mother is expected to be reunited with them in the coming week.

The suspect has been charged with abduction, rape and contravening the Immigration Act, and Mhlongo said further charges could be added.

Following the court appearance of the suspect, Mhlongo said: “There are other kids who are experiencing the same trauma and we want to appeal to communities, if you see something unusual happening, you must contact the police.

“As the police, we must move on these incidents and we need the communities’ help. We cannot watch children being destroyed,” said Mhlongo.

The case has been postponed until July 5 for further investigation.