A man suspected of kidnapping Sesam Gcolotela (5), from Qweqwe locality in Mthatha was severely beaten by members of the community in the Mthatha CBD after he was allegedly seen carrying the child on Tuesday, September 19.
The girl’s photos were trending on social media on Monday, September 18, after her relatives released information that she went missing.
Her aunt, Phelisa Sikhutshwa from Qweqwe, said the victim went missing after 08:00 on September 18 while she was playing with her siblings inside her homestead.
She said they looked all over, but they could not find her.
“We did not sleep the night before because we were looking all over the locality, trying to find her all night,” said Sikhutshwa.
Giving more details, one of the neighbours, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the suspect allegedly went inside the homestead of the victim while she was playing with her siblings.
He allegedly gave the other children sweets and dressed the victim before leaving with her. The neighbour said that the child’s uncle was sleeping when the incident happened.
Sikhutshwa said on the following day, September 19, they recieved a call from a hawker in the Mthatha CBD informing them about a man who seen carrying her niece in town.
“She was spotted because we circulated her picture yesterday, asking community members to assist in finding her. He was caught by hawkers walking in York Road,” said Sikhutshwa.
“We do not know the suspect and have never seen him before.”
One of the hawkers, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said they saw the child being carried by the alleged suspect.
“We stopped him because it looked suspicious. We then asked him if he was the child’s father. After he said no, we screamed, asking for attention from other hawkers; that is how he was beaten,” said the hawker.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed that a man (40) was rescued by police from further physical wrath of the community when he was found with Sesam who was reported kidnapped on September 18.
“The mother rushed home and learnt from the community that they had seen the child allegedly leaving with a man,” said Naidu.
“A case of kidnapping was opened.”
“Yesterday, September 19, the community spotted the suspect with the child in York Road in Mthatha; it is alleged that he was sitting inside a minibus taxi with the child. This community pulled him out of the vehicle and severely assaulted him with stones and sticks.”
Naidu added that KSD Law Enforcement officials were patrolling at that stage and immediately intervened.
She further added, SAPS Madeira Crime Prevention members, who were close by, assisted.
“The angry mob increased in numbers and demanded the suspect’s release,” Naidu said.
“He was taken to hospital via ambulance for treatment. He is currently under police guard in hospital and will be detained upon discharge on a kidnapping charge. He is unknown to the child or her family. The child was also taken for medical examination and was reunited with her family. A case of attempted murder is also opened about the suspect’s assault.”
Naidu said the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
“Police are urging all parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure that their children, especially the little ones, are safe and within sight at all times. However, it is essential to remember that taking the law into your own hands, as in this incident, is not the appropriate response,” said Naidu.
Sikhutshwa said, “We are happy that we found her; we were so shocked by this. We also thank all those who prayed for us and supported us during this.”
