It has been a week since nine-year-old Emaan Fatima was abducted outside her school in East London, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate her. Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (commonly known as the Hawks), assured the public that the investigation is a top priority, with all necessary resources being deployed to ensure a swift and successful resolution.
“We remain focused on the safety and well-being of the victim,” Fumba said in a statement. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, details surrounding the investigation remain confidential. However, the Hawks have called on the public to assist by providing any information, no matter how small, that could lead to the child’s safe return. Fumba emphasized that every piece of information could be crucial.
The kidnapping of Emaan Fatima is part of a troubling pattern of abductions in the Eastern Cape. In recent months, a series of high-profile kidnappings has raised concern, with victims ranging from businesspeople to private individuals. One such case involved Alize van der Merwe, who was taken on September 20, 2024, while traveling from East London to a resort in Port St Johns. Just a few days earlier, on September 17, 2024, a 34-year-old Chinese national was abducted between Elliot and Barkley East. Both women were released near a police station on September 26, 2024, but their ordeal left them severely traumatised.
In another kidnapping incident, Gqeberha businessman Calvin Naidoo was taken on July 19, 2024, outside his workplace. He was forced out of his Mercedes Benz by five suspects wearing balaclavas. After being held captive for nearly a week, he was rescued. This week, another high-profile kidnapping case was resolved when KZN businessman Zakariyah Desai was freed five months after being abducted outside a mosque. Desai, who owns Desai’s Cash & Carry in KwaDukuza, was taken by force by suspects in a silver VW Polo, following a violent altercation with bystanders. His release was a welcome outcome, and National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu praised law enforcement for their swift action in securing his freedom.
“This success is a testament to the dedication and skill of our police officers,” Mchunu said. “We urge them to continue their thorough investigation to ensure that all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice without delay.”
