Eight-year-old Abirah Dekhta has been reunited with her family after a kidnapping two weeks ago. (Supplied)
- Young Abirah Dekhta, who was kidnapped almost two weeks ago, was found in Khayelitsha on Monday night.
- Police confirmed that the girl was found during a massive search operation.
- The intelligence-led integrated operation saw forces descending on the suburb where the girl was found.
The family of eight-year-old Abirah Dekhta, who was kidnapped in Cape Town nearly two weeks ago, are relieved after they found her during a search operation on Monday night.
Police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Abirah had been reunited with her family.
“SAPS members from various specialist units and Cape Town law enforcement officers using state-of-the-art technology located her in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha, on Monday night,” it said Monday night.
“Since then, she has been sent to a doctor for a medical evaluation. Meanwhile, investigations into the crime of kidnapping continue and police detectives are currently questioning several people in order to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” added Twigg.
Dekhta family spokesman Miya Ramzan told News24 that the family was relieved that Abirah was back with them.
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“The family is delighted with the news and we are grateful for everyone’s support and good wishes,” he said.
Five suspects are understood to have been arrested during the operation; however, the police have yet to confirm this.
Abirah was kidnapped while on her way to school in Rylands.
Last week, News24 reported that around 500 residents of Gatesville in Cape Town cordoned off parts of Klipfontein and Jan Smuts roads on Friday night as they marched towards Athlone police station, where they demanded that police provide an update. about Abirah’s kidnapping.
Neighborhood watch said it had given the police an ultimatum, demanding that if they did not return to the community by the end of the weekend, they would stage another protest at the police station on Monday.
Provincial MEC for Police Supervision and Community Safety, Reagen Allen welcomed the news that Abirah was found safe and sound.
“As of tonight, SAPS and law enforcement are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Several people are being questioned and I am confident that we will soon be able to get to the bottom of this matter. I urge communities to continue to support Abirah and her family in your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time,” he said.
