File picture: Independent Media A 14-year-old boy and his friend were allegedly arrested after they were accused of stealing a cellphone.
Image: File / Independent
THE ROODEPAN police are investigating a kidnapping case after a 14-year-old boy was arrested and allegedly placed in a holding cell along with an adult for over two hours.
The boy's aunt indicated that her nephew and his friend were on their way home from the Suzuki Stadium after watching a rugby match on March 28 at around 11.30pm.
According to her account, "They were en route home to Roodepan, and along the way, another child who was also traveling inside the taxi accused her nephew and his friend of stealing his cellphone."
She added that after he arrived at home, the police entered his home.
She claimed, “They showed him their firearms and instructed him not to run away even though he told them that he was innocent.”
She stated that her nephew was bundled into the police van and taken to the police station.
“They told me that I was not allowed to accompany him even though he was a minor, as there was no space in the vehicle," she alleges.
“My nephew was kept in the holding cells along with a 16-year-old friend who was also accused of stealing the cellphone with another adult. We looked everywhere for them and were unable to find them at the police station after they were released on March 29 at around 2am. We eventually located him the following morning, as he slept over at his friend's house.
"Anything could have happened to them as they had to walk home.”
She indicated that while thankfully the child was not harmed during the incident, he was extremely traumatised.
SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the Roodepan police were investigating the alleged kidnapping of a minor.
“The police confirms that all under-aged children who are alleged to be in conflict with the law must be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008."
He stated that the police were investigating all concerns raised.
“Members of the public are urged to visit or contact the relevant station commander if they are dissatisfied with the services rendered or to seek clarity by the police.” Kock added.