Western Cape police confirm 8-year-old Abirah Dekhta found in a shack in Khayelitsha

Western Cape police confirm on Monday that 8-year-old Abirah Dekhta was found following her kidnapping in Rylands more than a week ago.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed Abirah is safe and had been reunited with her family.

“SAPS members from various specialised units and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials utilising-state-of-the-art technology have located her in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Monday evening,” he said on Monday night.

“She has since been sent to a doctor for a medical assessment. Meanwhile, investigations into the crime of kidnapping continue with police detectives currently questioning several individuals with a view of apprehending the perpetrators of the crime,” Twigg added.

Miya Ramzan, the family spokesperson told News24 that the family was relieved Abirah was safely found and reunited with them.

“The family is overjoyed by the news, and we are thankful for the support and well-wishes from everyone,” he said.

Abirah was abducted while making her way to school in Rylands over a week ago. The suspects had not made any demands and there was no information on the whereabouts of the little girl.

It is understood that five suspects were arrested during the operation; however, police have yet to confirm this information.

Provincial MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen’s welcomed the news that Abirah was found safe and unharmed.

“As of tonight, SAPS and law enforcement agencies were still investigating the circumstances around her disappearance. Various individuals are being questioned and I trust we will soon be able to get to the bottom of this matter. I would urge communities to keep Abirah and her family in their prayers and thoughts during this difficult time,” he said.

Source: ENCA, The South African, Eyewitness News, News24, image from Twitter: @AfriNuus

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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