Durban – An intensive search is under way for an eight-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted while fishing at a dam in Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Sandile Mthembu went missing after going fishing with his 32-year-old neighbour on Tuesday.
In a statement posted on social media, RUSA said: “An extensive search is underway for Sandile Mthembu (8) who went missing after going fishing at a dam in Canelands – KZN with his 32-year-old neighbour.”
The pair had reportedly been travelling from Cottonlands to the dam when they briefly encountered an unknown adult woman collecting bottles and scrap metal. RUSA said that while at the dam, the neighbour became distracted.
“When he looked back, he noticed the same female walking away with the child,” the post read.
“He attempted to pursue them but lost sight of both individuals.”
The neighbour then ran to RUSA’s headquarters to seek help. He was reportedly carrying a pair of sandals believed to belong to the missing child.
“The male was unable to provide further details or contact information for the child’s mother at the time,” RUSA said.
Reaction officers later transported the man back to Cottonlands, where the boy’s mother was located.
“She confirmed that [the] grade 2 learner left home with the neighbour and had not returned,” the organisation stated. She also told officers that her son has epilepsy.
RUSA added that “the female seen with the child is believed to be a drug user” and that information suggested they were last seen heading towards the Verulam central business district, although this could not be immediately confirmed.
Authorities and community members have been urged to assist in the search. “Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sandile Mthembu is urged to contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on 086 1234 333,” the post said.
Investigations into the incident are continuing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
