Kidnapped Liam home
2005-10-12 18:01
Johannesburg - Ten-year-old Liam Aspeling, who was kidnapped on Tuesday morning, arrived home to a hero's welcome on Wednesday evening.
He was driven to his Ennerdale home in a police car.
Police immediately closed the gate behind the car as it entered the yard outside which he was snatched on his way to school on Tuesday.
Still in his school uniform, he was lifted onto the shoulders of an adult and waved at well-wishers in the street.
In response to a shout from the crowd: "Hoe gaan dit boy?" (How are you boy?), he replied: "Okay."
Two other young children, also sitting on adults' shoulders, each gave him a welcome home kiss to enthusiastic applause from onlookers.
On entering his home he and his mother Anastasia Aspeling embraced.
Ennerdale residents outside hugged and kissed each other. Some were in tears.
Help from the community
By Wednesday evening the police presence at the house was no longer visible.
Police found Aspeling in Eldorado Park outside Johannesburg with community help, Gauteng security MEC Firoz Cachalia and senior police said earlier.
They were addressing the media outside the Aspeling's home where Liam was seized.
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 participating in a trial to convict people accused in serious crime.
"He is a brave man who needs the support of his family," Cachalia said.
Found in Eldorado Park
Crowds continued to linger around the Aspeling home and a schoolgirl walked among them offering pieces of cake.
"No one has been apprehended, but progress is being made in the investigation," Vaal Rand police commissioner Simon Mpembe said.
Asked for further details, Mpembe would say nothing more than that Liam had been found in Eldorado Park.
Liam was debriefed by police before he was returned home.
- SAPA