A young learner from Welcome Primary School in Athlone narrowly escaped what appears to have been an attempted abduction on Thursday, prompting renewed concern from school officials and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The incident, which occurred on 18 August, involved four unknown men who allegedly tried to lure the Grade 5 pupil into their car by claiming they were sent by her mother.
The school formally addressed the matter the following day in a letter issued to parents and caregivers, stating that while the event is cause for serious concern, they are grateful that the learner was unharmed.
“A Grade 5 learner from our school reported that she and her friends were followed by four men in what she believed to be an orange Renault,”
the school noted in its communication.
“The men continued to follow them until they reached St Theresa’s Primary School.”
According to the school, the incident unfolded after the learner separated from her group of friends near St Theresa’s.
“When the learner separated from the friends, the men approached her and persistently tried to convince her to get into their car, claiming that her mother had sent them.”
Fortunately, the quick thinking and awareness of her friends from St Theresa’s played a crucial role in intervening. The group immediately sensed that something was amiss and acted to support their friend.
“The perpetrators drove away when they realised the meisie and the other learners were wys of the danger.”
The event has reignited conversations around child safety and the responsibilities shared by parents, schools, and communities. Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, confirmed the incident and underscored the importance of teaching children how to respond when approached by strangers.
“All learners, parents and communities are to always remain vigilant and alert at all times when it comes to the protection of themselves and our learners,”
said Hammond. She stressed the importance of proactive education around personal safety, explaining that children must be equipped to make quick, informed decisions when they sense danger.
The WCED also shared a list of precautionary steps that parents and guardians are encouraged to follow. These include keeping children within the school grounds until their transportation has been clearly identified and visible, and ensuring that those who walk home or take public transport do so in groups whenever possible.
“Learners who are picked up at their school by parents or caregivers, should remain within the school property until they have visibly identified their mode of transport.”
The department has also emphasised that parents must be punctual in their drop-off and collection of learners to avoid unsupervised waiting outside school hours.
“Parents must also adhere to the opening and closing times of the school – ie. To not drop off their children before the school gate is officially open and unsupervised.”
In a broader call to action, the WCED encouraged families to reinforce practical safety strategies at home. This includes coaching children to reject offers of food, drinks, money or gifts from unknown individuals, and to flee and seek assistance immediately if approached by someone suspicious.
“While we do not want to frighten learners, they must know that they should be wary and run away if any stranger approaches them and call for help. They should also not accept any free food, drinks, money or objects from strangers and should report any suspicious characters to an educator or administrator at the school as soon as possible.”
Welcome Primary School echoed these sentiments in their letter to parents, appealing to the community to remain watchful and involved. They urged families to be extra vigilant and to discuss safety protocols regularly at home.
“The school also asked parents to reinforce these safety tips and to remain extra vigilant to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners.”
