TASK TEAM MOVES IN TO FIND BOY, 6

POLICE Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed that members of a task team set up to deal with abductions were in the province following the kidnapping of six-year-old Shanawaaz Asghar who was seized from outside his Kensington home this week.

“That team is there. It has both the provincial and national elements. (It) is dealing with this particular issue,” he said yesterday.

This comes as police in the province have refused to be drawn into reports of a R500 000 ransom demand for the release of Shanawaaz, only confirming that officers were working around the clock to secure the release of the child.

“We are dealing with a serious and sensitive case and we will not be elaborating on the matter at this stage.

“The SAPS will release information regarding the case when the time is right, and this will be determined by our investigation,” said police spokesperson Andre Traut.

His remarks followed a report by this publication that the kidnappers had apparently demanded half a million rand from the child's family.

A source with knowledge of the investigation told the Cape Times the kidnappers had contacted Shanawaaz's father for the ransom.

The source would not divulge further information, saying the probe was at a sensitive state.

Approached for comment, the family declined to talk. However, the Cape Times’ sister newspaper, Daily Voice, quoted the family as saying the reports of a ransom were fake news.

Cele said: “Some families don't want these things to be announced.

“They choose to stay and live quietly. Maybe it is the fear that they may be pursued by those particular people (kidnappers).”

Shanawaaz was last seen wearing a navy blue tracksuit school uniform with black school shoes, walking to school.

Provincial police commissioner Thembisile Patekile said they were concerned at the number of kidnappings in the province following Wednesday's incident.

Kensington CPF chairperson Cheslyn Steenberg said: “Progress has been made in this matter. Some noteworthy developments have been made.

“The SAPS has been hard at work, including specialised individuals and the activation of the SAPS 72-hour plan that kicked off yesterday. I would like to urge the public to only share verified information. Misinformation can lead to secondary trauma to the family of

Shanawaaz. Lastly, I see posts about a ransom being asked for. That type of reporting is irresponsible as it places the life of Shanawaaz at risk.

“Let us remain prayerful for his safe return.”

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) Masizole Mnqasela said he was deeply saddened and disturbed by the news of the boy's kidnapping.

“As a parent and as a father, I cannot even imagine how the parents of this boy are feeling right now. This is terrible. It is inhumane, and it is criminal. We just cannot allow criminals to control our streets, and certainly this boy needs to come back home safe.

“We pray that the police find him alive,” he said.

Anyone with any information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app.