EAST LONDON - INTERPOL ON THE HUNT FOR MISSING EL GIRL

Hawks national spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed the investigation to the Daily Dispatch‚ saying the case was in “sensitive stages”.

“We are working very closely with Interpol in efforts of getting the child back because that is our main priority. We cannot divulge too much information because this is a very sensitive case‚” said Mulaudzi.

Human trafficking and organised crime units‚ as well as the national Department of Home Affairs‚ have been involved in the investigation.

This is the second child in recent weeks to have been abducted.

Earlier this week‚ the Daily Dispatch reported on the disappearance of 18-month-old Nelson Mayekiso allegedly taken by his nanny‚ only known as Nosiyoyo‚ who demanded her unpaid salary of R1500.

Neither child has been found. The two cases are not linked at this stage.

In the latest case‚ the three-year-old girl was allegedly taken by her nanny on August 3.
The nanny had been hired by an East London couple to help the child’s grandmother look after the child.

The girl’s mother is a municipal official and her father works at a bank.

Police have not released the names of the parents and child due to the sensitivity of the case.
It is alleged the woman‚ believed to be from Mozambique‚ was hired from a group of women looking for employment on Amalinda Main Road.

The Daily Dispatch also understands the kidnappers had instructed the family not to involve the police or media.

A police source close to the investigation on Wednesday said: “We believe that most of the time the child was with her granny in Mdantsane’s NU 6 and the parents were in NU 10.

“The nanny was hired to assist the granny with the child‚ but after three weeks in the employ‚ she decided to disappear.”

A second source said police were investigating allegations that the nanny was working with other criminals‚ who had convinced her to kidnap the child.

“We are not sure if the child is still in the country. They are demanding R500000 and the state has R70000 to help.”

However‚ Mulaudzi dismissed the claims‚ saying police did not pay ransoms.

“I can confirm that we are making headway but I must say‚ we do not pay ransoms and we do not negotiate with abductors.”

The case‚ initially reported to the police family violence‚ child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) last week‚ was taken over by the police organised crime unit after the kidnappers asked for the ransom.

A third police source on Wednesday said the kidnappers were in touch with the family.

“There was a call from kidnappers for the parents to come to Mozambique to negotiate.

“Look‚ this is a sensitive case and no information is forthcoming.

“We hear that the nanny wants to return the child.”

Home Affairs spokesman Mayihlome Tshwete on Wednesday confirmed the case and said they were working closely with police.

“We are still trying to find the woman [the alleged kidnapper] in our system‚ but many people go by that name‚” Tshwete said.

“With the old legislation [visa]‚ children could easily go in and out of the country. This is exactly what our regulations want to curb.

“Our immigration officers all know the rules and if she tries to leave the country through a port of entry with a passport‚ we will find her‚” Tshwete said.

The visa regulations have been the subject of much debate in South Africa.

The new requirements stipulate that children travelling in and out of South Africa be required to carry an unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport.

An unabridged certificate reflects the particulars of both parents of the child.

If the child travels with an adult other than the parents‚ the person is required to produce affidavits from both parents giving permission for the child to travel.

Through this legislation‚ the department wants to promote the enforcement of the Children’s Act and Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act.