Khayelitsha residents urged to be vigilant after kidnapping

THE Khayelitsha community policing forum has called on residents to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings when they spot suspicious behaviour, or people who don’t belong in the community. This is so they can assist police in finding and identifying kidnap victims who are often kept in their communities.

This was the appeal by CPF cluster provincial chairperson Fransina Lukas, just days after 8-year-old Abirah Dekhta was found inside a shack in Town Two in Khayelitsha.

“We are aware that victims are found in Khayelitsha, like in the latest incident. We are calling on the community members in Khayelitsha and other communities, to be vigilant and to look out for any suspicious behaviour and persons that they know is not from that particular community.

“During the festive holidays, we as community leaders will be vigilant. We must know our surroundings and who our neighbours are and watch social media and television,” Lukas said.

“If they see a missing person or person who has been kidnapped, they must be on the lookout and assist police.”

Abirah’s kidnapping was followed by an intense investigation by high-ranking police who used various specialised units and technology to locate Abirah, who was unharmed and healthy.

Abirah, who is in Grade 2 at Rylands

Primary School, was sitting in the front seat of her school transport vehicle on November 4, when she was snatched by armed men.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed seven suspects charged with Abirah’s kidnapping and extortion are due back in court on December 7 for a bail application.

The group made an appearance at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court this week.

“On November 14, police received a tip-off that she was kept in a house in Town Two, Khayelitsha. Police observed three men who were patrolling outside the house.

“There were four other men inside the house when police made the arrest. Two women were also arrested but they were not brought to court as they cannot be linked to the case.

“The accused will return to court to apply for bail. The State will oppose the application.”

During an interview with the Cape Argus this week, Abirah’s father, Aslam Dekhta, said he didn’t believe his family was targeted and that his daughter was well cared for.

He said the kidnappers had allowed her to relieve herself and wash and fed her fast food.

He added that the kidnappers had threatened the family via phone calls, stating they were going to cut off her finger and sell her somewhere.

He said the kidnapping was for ransom but did not disclose how much the kidnappers had demanded.

Dekhta said they did not pay a cent to the kidnappers, because of the rescue by police.

Dekhta owns a cellphone shop Gatesville.

Hanif Loonat, a crime fighter who works closely on kidnapping cases in the Western Cape, said it was time that the syndicates’ operations were unearthed.

“We need to get to the bottom of these syndicates. It’s now or never. We are watching with hawk’s eyes where all the arrests are going to get us to.”

AYANDA NDAMANE African News Agency (ANA) ABIRAH Dekhta at home after she was found in Khayelitsha. She is being held by her mother, Salma Dekhta. l