Man arrested for attempted kidnapping of 13-year-old in Phoenix

A man has been arrested after attempting to kidnap a 13-year-old boy in Trenance Park, Phoenix, on Thursday afternoon.

The suspect, armed with a knife, pursued the child into a residential property.

Residents of Marula Circle alerted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) after noticing the man chasing the boy into a home. As officers responded, additional reports confirmed that the suspect had forced his way inside in an apparent attempt to abduct the child.

RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said officers arrived at the scene and found an injured man outside the house.

“He identified himself as a resident and informed officers that the suspect was still inside, armed with a knife. The home was quickly surrounded, with officers securing all entry and exit points before searching the premises.

“The suspect was discovered locked inside a bedroom and refused to surrender. Officers forced the door open, at which point the man drew a knife. However, he was swiftly overpowered and arrested,” said Mr Balram.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had followed the 13-year-old boy from a school in Phoenix.

“The child, who had taken a shortcut through Zwelisha, noticed the man carrying a knife and walked past his own home to avoid him. As the suspect closed in, the frightened Grade 11 pupil ran into a stranger’s house seeking refuge, with the man in pursuit. Once inside, the intruder attacked the home's occupants – a man and a woman – when they confronted him. The male resident suffered head injuries after being struck with a steel lock and a broken bottle,” said Mr Balram.

It was later established that the house belonged to a colonel from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Fortunately, the child was unharmed.

Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the suspect will remain in custody until next week and is facing multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping and assault.