The Oval North High School in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, has cautioned parents to be vigilant following reports of two ‘attempted abductions’ of its students.
The high school confirmed yesterday that it had sent a letter to its pupils’ parents on Monday, 4 March, urging parents to be aware of ‘attempted abductions of some… learners’.
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‘Similar reports have been reported by our neighbouring schools. It is not only our younger learners who are targeted by also our older learners, up to matriculants,’ the letter read.
Commenting on the letter, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond told News24 that there had been ‘an alleged attempt of abduction of a learner’ on Tuesday, 27 February.
‘The learner fought the alleged perpetrators off. The alleged incident happened on his way to school. On arrival at the school, the matter was reported, and SAPS called in,’ the publication quoted Hammond as saying.
A second incident took place later that week when a pupil reported ‘suspicious behaviour by makes in a vehicle’ while travelling to and from school.
Hammond added that it was not the same vehicle as the Tuesday incident and the matter was also reported to the police.
‘Due to the incidents, the school felt the need to raise awareness about the possible dangers when travelling to and from school,’ she explained. ‘This is a message that we should all be reminded of from time to time.’
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In response to the incident, Voice of the Cape reported that Oval North High School issued several recommendations to parents:
- Children should walk in groups rather than alone.
- Parents should ensure children arrive at school on time, as the area is quieter in the mornings.
- Children should be informed about different vehicles used in attempted abductions.
Emphasising the importance of raising awareness about potential dangers during school commutes, Hammond clarified: ‘While the South African Police Service (SAPS) would be able to confirm any developments with the reported cases, we can confirm no recent similar cases have been confirmed or reported by schools.’
Missing Children SA Coordinator Bianca Van Aswegen reiterated that the high kidnapping rate and the country’s reputation as a human trafficking hub are a huge cause for concern.
‘South Africa is seen as a transit, export and import country for human trafficking victims,’ EWN quoted Van Aswegen as saying. ‘So it’s really scary that people are used within our country for human trafficking. People are taken out of our country and also brought into our country to be used for human trafficking.’
According to Missing Children South Africa, more than 1 300 cases of kidnapping in the country are reported to the police every month.
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Picture: Oval North High School / Facebook
