45-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED AFTER FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IS ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED IN HENDRINA

A 45-year-old man has been arrested following the alleged kidnapping of a five-year-old girl at Kwazamokuhle, near Hendrina, in Mpumalanga's Nkangala District.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, 9 November 2026, at approximately 16:30, while the child was playing with another youngster a few metres from her grandmother's yard.

According to police, the grandmother was at home preparing a fire when a neighbour alerted her that the five-year-old had allegedly been seen walking away with an unfamiliar man.

The grandmother immediately went to investigate but was unable to find the child. The suspect allegedly claimed to some family members that he had received permission from the grandmother to take the girl with him.

Concerned family members and community members quickly mobilised to search for the child and trace the suspect.

Realising that he was being pursued, the suspect allegedly abandoned the girl before attempting to escape. The child was subsequently found unharmed in an open field in Extension, while the suspect was apprehended near a river after police were alerted.

The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during his apprehension, in which community members were involved. He is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital under police guard.

A case of kidnapping has been opened at Hendrina Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the family and community members for their efforts in ensuring the child's safe recovery.

However, she cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging communities to report suspected criminal activities to the police and allow the justice system to take its course.