Missing girl located at neighbors residence in Inanda

A 3-year-old girl who went missing in Osindisweni last night near Verulam was located at her neighbor’s property.

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa proceeded to the area last night and assisted the community to search for the child who went missing after she was scared off by fireworks. The child was believed to be hiding in a dense bush behind her home. The SAPS Search & Rescue K9 Unit was called out however attempts to locate the girl were unsuccessful. The search was called off due to poor lighting.

RUSA members returned to the area at approximately 07:45 this morning to resume the search. The child was located in a neighbors yard by a member of the community. She was emotional and barefoot.

When questioned regarding her whereabouts last night she informed her family that she was hiding in a bush when she was located by a male. He led her to a room in her neighbor’s house where she slept on the bed with him. She led Reaction Officers and members of the community to her neighbor’s residence where was allegedly carried by the male through a broken window. Her sandals were located in the room. It could not be confirmed if the child was raped however she further added that an unknown male had touched her. The child stated that the man had climbed out through the broken window and fled into a bush this morning. She did not provide further details.

The owner of the house explained that the room belonged to her brother however he had left the area last month and is now residing in Mayville with his family. She was not at home for most of the night as she was assisting the community to search for the child.

Investigations are continuing.