An attempted kidnapping that left a young girl injured has sent shockwaves through the Grassy Park community. The incident, which occurred on Le Grange Avenue last week, involved a 13-year-old girl who was assaulted while trying to flee her attackers.
According to police reports, the incident took place on Thursday, 17 October 2024, at approximately 1:45 p.m. The girl was walking in the area when a white Toyota Etios, containing several men, approached her. Witnesses and social media posts have described the suspects as four coloured males, one of whom reportedly had multiple facial piercings.
The attackers attempted to kidnap the girl, but she resisted fiercely.
“This 13-year-old little girl tried running home from the suspected kidnappers, where she then managed to run onto the premises where the kidnappers still entered and tried to grab her but she put up a fight, kicked one of the guys and that’s when they stabbed her in the head!”
Despite her injuries, she managed to make it inside a nearby property, forcing the attackers to flee the scene.
Attack on Defenceless Child Sparks Outrage
The incident has left many in the community both outraged and shaken. Grassy Park Community Police Forum’s Phillip Bam expressed his shock over the attack, condemning the criminals for targeting a child.
“It is shocking that criminal elements target defenceless children and we are grateful that she managed to escape. This incident shows that the criminal element does not care who they target and especially a girl child.”
Bam went on to urge parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhoods.
“We are calling on parents to be vigilant and report all suspicious activity in their communities whether it be occupants of a vehicle or individuals.”
The severity of the attack, particularly on such a vulnerable member of society, has heightened concerns about safety in the area, particularly for children who may be exposed to similar dangers.
Police Investigations Underway
Grassy Park police have confirmed that a case of attempted kidnapping is under investigation. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie, provided more details about the crime and called on the public to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information.
“Grassy Park SAPS opened an attempted kidnapping case for investigation following an incident which took place on Thursday, 17 October 2024, at about 1.45 p.m. Le Grange Avenue, Grassy Park. It is alleged that the victim stood at the gate of her residence when an unknown suspect appeared from a Toyota which was stationary next door and grabbed the victim during which a scuffle ensued.”
During the attack, the assailant stole the girl’s phone, and when she fought back, he stabbed her in the head with an unknown object.
“The assailant took the victim’s cellular phone and when she fought back, he stabbed her with an unknown object on the head. He then got back into the car and sped off. The victim went to a hospital for medical treatment. No arrests have been made yet.”
Fortunately, the girl received medical attention for her injuries. However, the perpetrators remain at large, prompting an urgent call from law enforcement for witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the crime to come forward. The police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Growing Concern in the Community
This incident is part of a growing number of crimes involving vulnerable individuals, raising alarm among local residents. The fact that the attackers were willing to pursue the girl onto private property underscores the audacity of criminals operating in the area. The incident has also served as a reminder of the importance of remaining aware of one’s surroundings, especially for children and young women.
Bam’s appeal for increased vigilance has resonated with many in the community. As police investigations continue, there is hope that the attackers will be apprehended before they strike again. For now, the community is left grappling with the fear and uncertainty brought on by this violent attempt, with families taking extra precautions to ensure their children’s safety.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities remain hopeful that someone in the community may hold the key to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
