Investigation underway after nine-year-old Emaan Fatima kidnapped in East London

It has been a week since nine-year-old Emaan Fatima was kidnapped outside her school in East London. 

Speaking to IOL on Tuesday morning the spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (known as the Hawks) Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said they were actively investigating the kidnapping of the child.

" At this stage, our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of the victim.

"Given the sensitivity of the investigation, we cannot divulge further details at this time.

"However, we assure the public that all necessary resources are being utilized to bring this matter to a swift and successful resolution."

The Hawks have urged anyone with information that may assist in our investigation to come forward.

"Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in ensuring the safe return of the child."

There has been a spate of kidnappings in the Eastern Cape in recent months. 

In one of the most kidnapping incidents was the kidnapping of Alize van der Merwe and a Chinese national. 

Both women were released near a police station. 

Van der Merwe was kidnapped on September 20, 2024, while traveling from East London to a resort in Port St Johns.

The 34-year-old Chinese national was snatched on September 17, 2024, between Elliot and Barkley East.

Both women were released on September 26, 2024. They were set to be highly traumatised.

In another incident in the Eastern Cape, Gqeberha businessman Calvin Naidoo was rescued almost a week after his kidnapping. 

Naidoo was snatched on July 19, 2024, outside his workplace by five balaclava-clad suspects who forced him out of his Mercedes Benz. 

This week KZN businessman Zakariyah Desai was released five months after he was kidnapped outside a mosque. 

Desai who owns, Desai's Cash & Carry in KwaDukuza, was taken by force by suspects driving a silver VW Polo after a night prayer. The suspects fired several shots as others tried to stop the kidnapping.

National police minister Senzo Mchunu commended law enforcement officers for their swift action in securing the release of a kidnapped victim in KwaDukuza.

"This success is a testament to the dedication and skill of our police officers. We urge them to continue their thorough investigation to ensure that all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice without delay.”

IOL News