A search has been launched for a two-year-old boy who was kidnapped by his father, Western Cape police said on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the mother, Lea Muller, from Beaufort West was also kidnapped on Friday but managed to escape.
”The mother managed to escape and report her ordeal to the police who already started a massive search on Friday when the kidnapping took place,” said Pojie.
He said the 24-year-old man had allegedly fired shots on a neighbouring farm where Muller and their son were visiting before kidnapping them.
The man tied up the mother and child’s hands and forced them to walk into the veld.
”It is reported that they walked for almost 45km on rough terrain until they reached remote hills,” said Pojie.
He said Muller had notified police around 2pm on Saturday after she managed to escape.
About 40 police officers, including air support, dog units and volunteers began the search for the missing boy on Saturday.
”All efforts are made to find the son and the suspect, although bad weather and rough terrain is hampering the search.
”The air support had to be called off but the helicopter will be back in the air at first light tomorrow [Monday] morning,” said Pojie.
Police would continue to search on foot. – Sapa