A 39-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after allegedly kidnapping his 11-year-old son and holding him hostage for eight days.
Last Friday, the man, armed with a can of petrol, allegedly went to his former girlfriend’s home in Ngwelezane and forced his way into the house.
Threatening to burn down the house, the man demanded from the child’s aunt for his son to come with him as the girlfriend was not present at the time.
He eventually took the child away using his VW Golf as a getaway vehicle at around 8:30pm.
Following tip-offs, an operation involving Durban Hostage negotiators, Provincial Tracking Task Team, Special Task Force and Empangeni detectives was conducted which led to the man’s arrest in Umlazi V-Section on Saturday.
The child was reunited with his mother unharmed.
The man is expected to appear in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court today.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded police for saving the child and arresting the suspect.
‘I am going to ensure that all those who commit crimes against woman and children are taken into custody. Our mandate is to protect women and children from the abusers,’ she said.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
For news straight to your phone invite us on WhatsApp at 072 069 4169
