Kidnapped Merebank teen escapes from shipping container

THE family of a 16-year-old Merebank boy, who was alleged to have been kidnapped while waiting for his transport to school, was relieved when he made a safe return home after escaping from being held captive in a container.

According to police reports, the teenager was waiting for transport on Basil February Road in Wentworth at about 07:30 on May 16, when he was approached by three men who covered his face and pulled him into a vehicle.

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Captain Mbuso Gumede, spokesperson for the Wentworth police station said, “The victim was kept in a shipping container for a day before he managed to escape. No arrests have been made. Police are urging parents and guardians to be extra vigilant at all times.”

After the boy managed to escape from the container, a member of the public who told him that he was in the Jacobs area helped him get back home.
“Teenagers must be accompanied by parents or guardians, especially in the mornings, to ensure that they are safe,” Gumede added.

ALSO READ: Child kidnapping prevention tips for all ages

Community leader, Yusuf Vawda, said he challenged security companies and parents in the area to volunteer to patrol during the times children walk to and from school.
“Now, more than ever, we need volunteers and people to step up in their numbers. We know that there is strength in numbers and security companies should team up with our volunteers to patrol. We have regular patrols with the assistance of a few members from local security companies and we need the community to realise that as residents, we also need to be proactive and safeguard our children.

“One kidnapping incident is one too many. If there is a syndicate operating, we need to be one step ahead to stop them from targeting our children,” Vawda added.
To volunteer to patrol, contact Yusuf Vawda on 061 712 0007.

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