Ten-year-old Liam Aspeling, who was kidnapped on Tuesday morning, arrived home to a hero’s welcome in a police car at his Ennerdale, Johannesburg, home on Wednesday evening.
Police immediately closed the gate behind the car as it entered the yard outside which he was snatched on his way to school on Tuesday evening.
Still in his school uniform, he was lifted on to the shoulders of an adult and waved at well-wishers in the street.
In response to a shout from the crowd, ”Hoe gaan dit, boy [How are you, boy]?”, he replied: ”Okay.”
Two other young children, also sitting on adults’ shoulders, each gave him a welcome home kiss to enthusiastic applause from onlookers.
On entering his home, he and his mother, Anastasia Aspeling, embraced.
Ennerdale residents outside hugged and kissed each other. Some were in tears.
By Wednesday evening, the police presence at the house was no longer visible.
Police found Aspeling in Eldorado Park outside Johannesburg with community help, Gauteng security minister Firoz Cachalia and senior police said earlier.
They were addressing the media outside the Aspelings’ home, where Liam was seized.
On behalf of Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and everybody in Gauteng, Cachalia expressed relief and thanks at the boy being found.
”There were foot soldiers who worked throughout the night on this case. This demonstrates their commitment and capacity,” he said.
Cachalia confirmed that Liam’s father is in a witness protection programme and participating in a trial to convict people accused in serious crime.
”He is a brave man who needs the support of his family,” Cachalia said.
Crowds continued to linger around the Aspeling home and a schoolgirl walked among them offering pieces of cake.
”No one has been apprehended, but progress is being made in the investigation,” Vaal Rand police Commissioner Simon Mpembe said.
Asked for further details, Mpembe would say nothing more than that Liam had been found in Eldorado Park.
Liam was debriefed by police before he was returned home. — Sapa