Police reject Sedibeng child kidnappings claims

Sedibeng police have rejected community claims about an alleged kidnapping/human trafficking incident in Kliprivier.

They are urging members of the public against circulating unconfirmed reports on social media platforms.

On Monday, authorities were notified of a mob justice incident at Rietspruit, where the owner of an Islamic Foundation, alleged that community members are accusing him of kidnapping children.

It is understood that the children, aged between eight and 13, have been staying at the foundation with four caregivers, where they receive Islamic bible lessons after school and on weekends.

According to the Department of Social Development, the 16 children were voluntarily brought to the foundation by their parents to attend the studies.

Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says there is no truth to the kidnapping claims.

Police say the children have since been returned to their parents and no case was opened.

Community members are advised to report any criminal activities to the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or leave anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp which can be downloaded on any smartphone.

#sapsGP #SAPS Sedibeng District Management would like to put on record that there is NO truth in the voice note circulating on social media platforms about an alleged kidnapping/human trafficking incident at Kliprivier area. @The_DSD was called in and it was established that the… pic.twitter.com/3AGfHNYDMQ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2023