/ 29 October 2007

Abducted Cape boy found unhurt

A two-year-old boy abducted by his father in mountainous terrain around Beaufort West was found unharmed on Monday afternoon, Western Cape police said.

”The boy was found safe and sound between the hours of 3pm and 4pm today [Monday],” said Captain Malcolm Pojie.

Pojie said an intensive search led the police to the boy and his father at an abandoned farmhouse, two farms away from where he disappeared on Friday.

”The 24-year-old suspect has been detained and will appear in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He will face charges of attempted murder and abduction.”

The boy and his mother, from Beaufort West, were taken from a farm on Friday while visiting friends and forced to walk a vast distance over rough terrain.

The mother managed to escape and notify police who launched a search.

Earlier on Monday, a helicopter and about 20 police officers on foot scoured the hills for the boy.

They were assisted by members of the police’s specialised dog and stock theft unit. — Sapa