Friends save Athlone schoolgirl from kidnapping attempt

AN ATHLONE primary school learner was involved in an attempted abduction incident last week after the perpetrators said she had to get into their car, claiming her mother had sent them.

Welcome Primary School issued a statement on August 19 informing parents of the incident the previous day, saying it is a great concern, however, they are grateful the learner is safe.

The school said: “A Grade 5 learner from our school reported that she and her friends were followed by four men in what she believed to be an orange Renault. The men continued to follow them until they reached St Theresa’s Primary School.

“When the learner separated from the friends, the men approached her and persistently tried to convince her to get into their car, claiming that her mother had sent them.”

They added that her friends from St. Theresa’s noticed something strange and helped their friend immediately.

The perpetrators drove away when they realised the girl and the other learners were aware of the danger.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the incident and said it is important that children should be informed of stranger danger.

"All learners, parents and communities are to always remain vigilant and alert at all times when it comes to the protection of themselves and our learners," Hammond said.

The WCED urged learners who are picked up at their school by parents or caregivers to remain within the school property until they have visibly identified their mode of transport.

Learners who require public transport and are expected to walk to their relevant departure areas or home, should travel in groups at all times if possible. However, where feasible, parents must please arrange that this is as close to the school as possible.

Parents must also adhere to the opening and closing times of the school – ie. To not drop off their children before the school gate is officially open and unsupervised.

"While we do not want to frighten learners, they must know that they should be wary and run away if any stranger approaches them and call for help. They should also not accept any free food, drinks, money or objects from strangers and should report any suspicious characters to an educator or administrator at the school as soon as possible."

Cape Times