Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela has told parents in the province to keep their guard high, after a suspected attempt to abduct a child in Bloemfontein was reported last week. This comes just days after the infamous foiled kidnapping in Florida, Gauteng made international headlines.
Child abduction in South Africa
In a statement shared earlier on Monday, Ntombela claimed that criminals have ‘set their eyes on the children of Bloemfontein’. The recent school abduction attempt has prompted the authorities in Free State to double-down on their guidance, advising parents and concerned residents on the following:
- The Premier will engage MEC Sam Mashinini and SAPS to ‘prevent abductions before they happen’.
- Ntombela is encouraging parents to accompany their children to school.
- Parents are asked to keep a keen eye on children at all times – particularly in crowded areas.
- The Free State Government has also made a call to young people to ‘travel in groups’.
Bloemfontein abduction attempt ‘worrying’ – Free State Premier
Ntombela’s rhetoric certainly reflects the gravity of the situation facing South Africa. The threat of child abduction and human trafficking has sparked a major panic amongst the populace, and the Premier has made it clear that those caught trying to steal children ‘will be dealt with harshly’.
“I have been made aware of an attempt to abduct a child at a school in Bloemfontein. I am extremely worried because defenseless children are at the mercy of heartless criminals. I am therefore asking parents to ensure that their children are safe at all times. These are worrying reports and must not be taken lightly.”
“We live in a world where horrific things are done to children, therefore we must never let our guard down. We must be vigilant at all times. I also wish to warn child abductors that the law will deal harshly with them because an attack on our children is an attack on all of us.”
Free State Premier Sefora Ntombela
