Search for kidnapped child in Phoenix

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa are currently searching for a child who is suspected of being kidnapped.

RUSA Phoenix Operations Centre received a call from a resident of a gated complex requesting assistance for a child who had allegedly been pulled into a dense bush. The incident was witnessed by a 10 year old girl who heard the child screaming for help while being dragged into the bush by a man dressed in black.

The RUSA Robinson R44 Helicopter took off and conducted a search of the green belt surrounding the complex. The pilot and crew confirmed that there are several pathways leading from Eastbury to Mt. Edgecombe. The aeriel search was called off due to poor visibility because of smoke from a fire in the nearby vicinity.

An abandoned shack was located along one of the pathways. Reaction Officers are currently awaiting the arrival of specialized dogs from the SAPS K9 Unit to assist in the search.

The child who was allegedly kidnapped has not been identified and his/her parents have not been located at this stage.