A Thohoyandou family is still deeply traumatised after their six-year-old son was forcefully taken away by kidnappers, who demanded ransom for his release.

Husnen Chaniya of Thohoyandou Block F was on his way from the mosque after 17:00 when he was allegedly abducted by unknown men. The family became worried when he did not arrive back home from the mosque.

They started looking for him with neighbours and relatives but to no avail: Husnen was nowhere to be found. Some of those who came to help were just about to go to the police when a suspicious-looking bakkie pulled up next to them and a letter was dropped there with strict instructions.

They were allegedly told that the boy was safe, but his safe return would only depend on their co-operation.

One of the conditions was that they should not involve the police. A number was supplied that they could phone, but only at 06:30 the following day. The bakkie allegedly sped off in the direction of Tshakhuma.

Some members of the community tried to follow the bakkie but lost sight of it as it was even skipping red traffic lights. They had, however, taken down the registration number of the bakkie.

They then reported the matter to the police, who sprang into action. The police were soon tracing the getaway bakkie.

A large group of community members from the Indian community was also keeping vigil at the home and the police station. Their hopes were heightened when the bakkie was traced to Shayandima.

Two young men were taken in for questioning, but the boy was still not found. Police spent the whole night combing the surrounding areas for clues, but it was not until the following morning that the boy was found dumped at a home in Itsani in the Tshisahulu area. The family where he was left could not even shed light on how he had ended up there as they did not witness his being dumped there.

No sooner had the news of his being found become known than wild celebrations started at the Thohoyandou police station, where many had been waiting to see the boy alive. The father of the boy, Mubarak Husnen, could not contain his excitement and he quickly broke the good news to his wife, who was sedated at home.

“I am very excited. The whole thing was like a dream to me. I remained hopeful that my son would be found alive and unharmed," said an elated Mubarak. He said the night of fruitless searching was like a long year for him and added that he could not understand how anybody could harm an innocent boy for the sake of money.

He said the family was still traumatised and his wife would need counselling. He thanked the police for the sterling work they had done in making sure that the child returned to them safely.

A kidnap case has been opened, and no one has been arrested so far. At the time of going to press, it was not clear what had happened to the two men taken in for questioning.