Kidnapped Brackendowns baby found in Windmill Park

The 13-month old missing Brackendowns baby was found on Saturday morning just after midnight and a domestic helper arrested.

According to Colonel Lungelo Dlamini, SAPS Gauteng spokesperson, an effectively executed tactical takedown by a multi-disciplinary team of the SAPS in Gauteng Province, led to the arrest of five suspects for the kidnapping of Eden Laird.

The search started when it was reported to police that the domestic helper had taken the child from his Brackendowns home for a walk from which they both never teturned.

“Police immediately launched an intelligence-driven operation, keeping close tabs on the numerous phone calls where suspects demanded a R6-million ransom from the parents, in return for the safe release of the child,” said Dlamini.

“Taking cue from the police hostage negotiator, police arrested the initial two suspects at the ransom-drop-off point in Ekurhuleni West. Further investigations led police to Windmill Park where the domestic worker and another suspected co-conspirator were also arrested.

“The fifth suspect was arrested in Katlehong, where a vehicle was seized on suspicion of having been used in the commission of the crime.”

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange, has now sanctioned an immediate further investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), towards securing a successful conviction by the Court.

The baby has been reunited with his parents, Stuart and Bronwyn.

Of these five suspects, four are Zimbabwean nationals, while the fifth suspect is South African.

“It is important in this instance to mention the nationality of the suspects in cautioning members of the public against recklessly employing people without conducting the necessary background checks,” said de Lange.

The Provincial Commissioner also applauded the multi-disciplinary team whose determination and dedication has seen to the successful reunion of the missing child with his parents.

Laird family spokesperson Michael Basch said the homeworker has been working for the Laird family for years.

“Eventually it was all about money. They have seen a possible opportunity to get money out of the situation and fortunately it’s not how it played out. The real losers are her (the homeworker’s) family,” said Basch.

The Laird family has stated they are overjoyed at the rescue and safe return of their son.

They extended their utmost gratitude to all members of the SAPS, PHO trio Lt Col Prowse, Capt Hicks team. SAPS HO, Ekurhuleni Cluster, Brackendowns, Fidelity specialised services, Rentrak R4, Col Thompson, Col Tsabalala and the Brackendowns CPF.

They also thanked the Pink Ladies for their help and the thousands of people both locally and from around the world for their messages of support and concern shown towards the family.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in court today.