A five-year-old girl has been safely recovered following an alleged kidnapping in Kwazamokuhle, near Hendrina, on Monday, 9 November 2026. A 45-year-old suspect has been arrested.
According to a statement issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga on Tuesday, 10 November, the incident occurred at approximately 16:30 while the child's grandmother was preparing a fire at home.
The young girl was reportedly playing with another child a few metres from the yard when a neighbour noticed her walking away with an unfamiliar man.
The neighbour immediately alerted the grandmother, who went to investigate but could not locate the child.
Police said the suspect allegedly told some family members that the grandmother had given him permission to take the girl.
Community Members Help Recover Child
Following the disappearance, family and community members launched a search and managed to trace the suspect.
Upon realising that people were pursuing him, the man allegedly abandoned the child and attempted to escape.
The girl was subsequently found in an open field in the Extension area, while the suspect was apprehended near a river.
According to police, the 45-year-old man sustained injuries during his apprehension, which involved community members.
He is currently receiving treatment in hospital under police guard.
Police Warn Against Taking the Law Into Own Hands
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the family and community members who assisted in ensuring the child's safe recovery.
However, she cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to report suspected criminal activity to police and allow the legal process to take its course.
A kidnapping case has been opened at Hendrina Police Station, and investigations are continuing.