The SaPs Sedibeng District Management has put it on record that there is no truth in the voicenote messages circulating on social media platforms about an alleged kidnapping/human trafficking incident at Kliprivier area.
“On Monday, 21 August 2023, the police in Kliprivier received a complaint of mob justice at Rietspruit and upon arrival they found the owner of an Islamic Foundation, who alleged that community members are accusing him of kidnapping children. The children are reported to be staying at the foundation with four caregivers and they attend bible studies after school and on weekends,” said SAPS spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
The children were taken to the police station for safety as community members were threatening to burn the place down.
“The Department of Social Development was called in and it was established that the 16 children aged between eight and thirteen were voluntarily brought to the foundation by their parents to attend Islamic bible study. Through the assistance of Department of Social Development the children were safely collected by their parents. The police did not open any criminal case,” added Nevhuhulwi.
The public is urged to refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports as this could lead to malicious damage to the falsely accused person’s property or even cost such person’s life.
Community members are advised to report any criminal activities to the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111.
