BACK WHERE HE BELONGS

Kidnapped Cape Town boy returned to his family

THE parents of six-yearold Shanawaaz Asghar, who was kidnapped outside his home in Kensington, Cape Town, are relieved to have their son home. Shanawaaz’s case made headlines across South Africa when he was snatched by six armed men while he was on his way to school.

He was returned to his family after his father, Muhammad, negotiated with the kidnappers for his release. Muhammad refuses to say where they met or whether a ransom was paid. “I can’t exactly say where I drove to because I don’t know the townships very well. When I stopped, they were standing with him outside. They didn’t just leave him on the side of the road and he was clean,” he says.

“They took my cellphone before I left, probably because they were scared I’d call the police. But I wouldn’t because all I wanted was my son. I’m very happy, very happy he’s safe,” he adds.

The suspects are still at large.