The Gatesville community is still in shock following the abduction of an 8-year-old girl while on her way to school on Friday November 4.
This is according to Gatesville Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Fowzia Veerasamy, who says this type of crime is unheard of in her community.
Abira Dekhta was kidnapped outside Amber Court in Yusuf Gool Boulevard, while the driver of her lift club was waiting for another child he picks up there. She was snatched from the passenger seat, and her abductors also took the driver’s car keys and cellphone.
By Monday November 7, there were no new developments to the case, according to Athlone SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Zita Norman. She added that because of the sensitivity of the case, she could not give any details about it, but confirmed that the investigation continues.
Ms Veerasamy said the incident had left the community, including another child who was in the car at the time, with severe trauma.
“We are all in shock. This had a severe effect on us all. We are also questioning why here? On the same day, we arranged for counselling for the child who was in the vehicle and for some of the residents, who heard Abira’s desperate cries during this ordeal,” Ms Veerasamy said.
She praised the neighbourhood watches and the Athlone Community Police Forum (CPF) for working together on the day to secure the crime scene.
“We all worked together to make sure that nothing was touched and that evidence was not tampered with. The support was outstanding.”
She also called on residents to be more vigilant.
“This all happened in such a short period of time. I am appealing to drivers not to use the same route daily and to monitor their surroundings,” Ms Veerasamy said.
Sergeant Norman also called for more vigilance.
“Parents should not allow their children to walk alone to their transport. They must make sure the child is in the vehicle. I also am of the opinion that school transport drivers must be allowed to drop off or pick up children on the school grounds. Usually, because they are vendors, they must wait outside the school premises, but I think special preference must be given to them,” Sergeant Norman said.
Abira’s school, Rylands Primary, also issued a letter to parents and guardians, urging them to be vigilant when dropping off or fetching their children. The letter also called on the school community to pray for the safe return of Abira, as well as to keep the Dekhta family in prayer.
According to a Weekend Argus report, Abira is the daughter of businessman Aslam Dekhta and his wife, Salama, from Rylands.
Anybody with information can contact Athlone SAPS at 021 697 9238/9.