EDEN CLUSTER – An intensive search to safely reunite a 2-year-old girl with her loved ones in Kirkwood after being kidnapped earlier this month, had a positive outcome when the toddler was found by the Tsitsikamma K9 Unit at Knysna earlier today. Information available reveals that the toddler was playing outside her residence on 04 August 2021 when she disappeared.

A woman who was allegedly spotted with the missing girl, was circulating on various social media platforms in the vicinity of Knysna on Monday, 16 August 2021. It was then that authorities became aware of her whereabouts. Members attached to the Tsitsikamma K9 Unit responded to the information and embarked on an intensive search for the pair.  First without any success.

The search for the pair resumed at first light this morning when the members visited a number of homes at White Location. After receiving information, members pounced on a residence situated in Rolihlahla Street and ensued with a search of the house. They then found the toddler asleep in one of the rooms.

The police subsequently arrested the 21-year-old woman on a charge of kidnapping. She remains in custody and will be transferred to the Eastern Cape where she is expected to make a court appearance once charged.

Meanwhile, the toddler was admitted at a local hospital for medical assessment.

The Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensure that the rights of woman and children are protected as the most vulnerable in society. He thanked the members for their persistence in ensuring a safe return of the missing girl. Lieutenant General Patekile also welcomed the arrest of the suspect who, with her conduct, threatened the wellbeing of toddler.

Source: South African Police Service