Young girls escape kidnapping

Parents are living in fear after children were nearly kidnapped by unknown women and a gang of men in eMbalenhle, Mpumalanga, Ridge Times reports.

According to the parents of the young girls, the kids were returning from a shop when an unknown woman confronted and cross-examined them.

The woman asked whether they knew a church where people wore red and black and the children said they only know the church next to their home.

The woman apparently then asked their names and told them she was collecting clothes for orphans. She told them to wait and promised to give them money and cellphones.

“The children grew suspicious and ran away, whereupon a bakkie chased them. They escaped and returned home safe,” said the mother of one the kids.

READ MORE: KZN teen kidnapped, forced to watch as mother is burned alive

Another parent said the children were crying and were traumatised when they arrived home.

She said they were still not feeling alright.

“I want to warn parents to look after their children. The world is a cruel place, and it is sad that criminals are now targeting our children, we do not know why and what hurts the most, is that women are part of this. Let us unite as a community and protect our children.”

Captain Bettina Zondo, police spokesperson, called on the public to protect children.

She said parents must often check on their children when playing outside or going to the shop.

– Caxton News Service

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