EASTERN CAPE - RESCUE DOG FINDS MISSING 17 MONTH OLD BABY WHO WAS KIDNAPPED BY HER ESTRANGED FATHER

Elation and sighs of relief echoed through the large orange groves in Patensie when Search and Rescue dog, Misty located a 17-month-old baby who was reportedly kidnapped by her father on Tuesday, 1 September 2020.

It is alleged that on 01 September 2020, at about 15:00, the 24-year-old father of the child had an argument with the biological mother on the farm in Patensie. 

He grabbed the child and left. 

The  mother was not overly concerned at the time as she assumed that he would return with the child as soon as his anger subdued however when he did not return by 21:00, she reported the matter to police.

Immediately the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Phumlani Ngqengqa mobilised a search team and searched the many orange orchards all night, to no avail. 

At 07:30, the following morning, 03 September 2020, Port Elizabeth Search and Rescue team was roped in to assist. 

Search teams split up and at about 10:30, Misty picked up a scent and found the father and child huddled between the low hanging trees. It is not known where they may have spent the night. 

The toddler was taken to hospital for a medical check-up and the 24-year-old man was arrested.

He was not detained however a statement was taken from him and on conclusion of the investigation, the case will be sent to the court for a decision. 

The Acting District Commissioner for Sarah Baartman District, Brigadier John Lebok expressed his appreciation to the search teams for their relentless efforts in tracing the child and the father.

 ‘Credit most definitely must be given to our police dog, Misty who played a major role in the search and it is through her trained skills that we were able to find the child and the father. The wellbeing and welfare of children remain a priority for the SAPS and when a child is reported missing or kidnapped,  available resources and manpower must immediately  be mobilised in order to find the child as soon as possible,’ added Brigadier Lebok.  

via - SAPS