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.
”Jaylin Muller was found safe and sound between the hours of 3pm and 4pm today [Monday],” said Captain Malcolm Pojie.
Pojie said the police found the child and his father at an abandoned farmhouse in Los Berg.
”The boy was still dressed in the same blue pants and shirt which he wore when he was kidnapped 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 kidnapping.”
The child and his mother Leya Muller 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 the police.
Earlier on Monday, a helicopter and about 20 policemen on foot scoured the hills for the boy.
They were assisted by members of the police’s specialised dog and stock theft unit.
The two were receiving trauma counselling at the Beaufort West police station. – Sapa