'Community' helped find Liam
2005-10-12 17:19
Johannesbsurg - Police found kidnapped 10-year-old Liam Aspeling in Eldorado Park, outside Johannesburg, with community help, said Gauteng security MEC Firoz Cachalia and senior police on Wednesday.
They were addressing the media outside the Ennerdale home from where the boy was seized on Tuesday.
On behalf of Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and everybody in Gauteng, Cachalia expressed relief and thanks at the boy being found.
"There were foot soldiers who worked throughout the night on this case. This demonstrates their commitment and capacity," he said.
Cachalia confirmed that Liam's father was in a witness-protection programme and was taking part in a trial to convict people accused of serious crime.
"He is a brave man who needs the support of his family."
Progress being made in investigation
Crowds continued to linger around the Aspeling home and a schoolgirl walked among them offering pieces of cake.
Vaal Rand police commissioner Simon Mpembe said: "No one has been caught, but progress is being made in the investigation."
Asked for further details, Mpembe would say nothing more than that Liam had been found in Eldorado Park.
Liam was being debriefed by police before being returned home.
His mother, Anastasia Aspeling, said she was not someone who sought revenge.
- SAPA