Suspect arrested for attempted kidnapping of 13 year old

ETHEKWENI – A man has been arrested for attempting to kidnap a thirteen (13) year boy in Trenance Park yesterday afternoon (Thursday). Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was called out to Marula Circle by several residents in the area after noticing a man pursuing a child into a residential property.

Whilst Officers were on route more calls were received updating that the suspect was armed and had gained entry into a home in an attempt to kidnap the child.

Reaction Officers coverged on the home at 15:32 and found an injured man outside the premises. He identified himself as one of residents of the home and informed Officers that a man armed with a knife was inside his home.

Reaction Officers surrounded the premises covering all exits & entrances. The home was searched and a man was found inside the bedroom with the door locked. Reaction Officers forced the door opened after the suspect refused to exit. He drew a knife (picture 6) but was immediately tackled to the ground & arrested.

It was then established that the suspect had followed a thirteen (13) year child on foot from a school in Phoenix. The scholar had taked a short-cut through Zwelisha & noticed that the man was in possession of a knife. The child continued to walk past his own home & the suspect closed in on him.

At that stage the grade 9 pupil ran into the home of an unknown person with the suspect in pursuit. Inside the residence, a male & female were attacked by the suspect when they confronted him. The male sustained head injuries when he was assaulted on his head with a steel lock & a broken bottle. The home belonged to a Colonel from the South African Police Services (SAPS). The child was uninjured.