Western Cape police confirm on Monday that 8-year-old Abirah Dekhta was found following her kidnapping in Rylands more than a week ago.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed Abirah is safe and had been reunited with her family.
“SAPS members from various specialised units and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials utilising-state-of-the-art technology have located her in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Monday evening,” he said on Monday night.
“She has since been sent to a doctor for a medical assessment. Meanwhile, investigations into the crime of kidnapping continue with police detectives currently questioning several individuals with a view of apprehending the perpetrators of the crime,” Twigg added.
Miya Ramzan, the family spokesperson told News24 that the family was relieved Abirah was safely found and reunited with them.
“The family is overjoyed by the news, and we are thankful for the support and well-wishes from everyone,” he said.
Abirah was abducted while making her way to school in Rylands over a week ago. The suspects had not made any demands and there was no information on the whereabouts of the little girl.
It is understood that five suspects were arrested during the operation; however, police have yet to confirm this information.
Provincial MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen’s welcomed the news that Abirah was found safe and unharmed.
“As of tonight, SAPS and law enforcement agencies were still investigating the circumstances around her disappearance. Various individuals are being questioned and I trust we will soon be able to get to the bottom of this matter. I would urge communities to keep Abirah and her family in their prayers and thoughts during this difficult time,” he said.
Source: ENCA, The South African, Eyewitness News, News24, image from Twitter: @AfriNuus