THE frantic search for the missing eNseleni child, Ashley De Jager (5) took a surprising double twist this week.
Police not only arrested her father, but the Zululand Observer was able to confirm that he was a fugitive wanted by Interpol.
Neels De Jager allegedly kidnapped the girl from her mother in Mozambique.
According to Empangeni Family Violence Child Protection Unit (FCS) Colonel Ncube, the police have had a warrant for his arrest for five years.
The Zululand Observer first reported the case of the missing girl on Friday and remained in contact with her father.
He reported his daughter had disappeared after school last Wednesday. A case was opened at the Richards Bay police station. The distraught father informed the police that ‘two women in Muslim clothing’ had visited Ashley in school prior to her disappearance.
‘The principal denied them access because she apparently did not know them,’ he said.
Notices were placed on the ZO website and social networks, in search of her whereabouts.
Zululanders conveyed prayers to the family, hoping that she will be found safely.
On Monday, the father informed this publication that a red car had been identified as the one involved in her abduction, however, the police could not confirm this. He was arrested by the FCS unit at his house in eNseleni on Tuesday.
Neels’ attorney, Yolanda Gielink of Gielink Attorneys, told the Zululand Observer that they have instructed the police not to take him to Mozambique.
‘A suspect can only be held for 48 hours before he is released or charged. Then only can the Mozambican government apply for extradition to their country for him to be tried.’ said Gielink
Neels is currently being held by the police and hasn’t been formally charged.
Following the series of confusing events, Ashley was reported safe and reunited with her mother.
