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Mayor comforts Sheldean's family
23/02/2007 09:09 - (SA)
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| Tshwane executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa hugs Elize Human, the mother of the missing Sheldean Human, during a visit to the family's home. (Theana Calitz, Beeld) |
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Cobus Claassen, Beeld
Pretoria - Gwen Ramokgopa, the executive mayor of the Tshwane metro council, on Thursday lashed out at the suspected kidnapper(s) of Sheldean Human.
The seven-year-old blonde girl has been missing since Sunday evening after she returned from a park in Pretoria Gardens in the western parts of the city.
Ramokgopa visited Sheldean's mother, Elize, at the family's home in Pretoria Gardens on Thursday.
"Our children look up to adults and it is a shame that people abuse their trust in such a way. It shouldn't happen in our community," she said.
Ramokgopa, a mother of three, stressed how precious children are.
"Children are innocent and vulnerable and this type of thing should not be tolerated. I really hope they find your daughter soon."
Community praised
A calm, but clearly exhausted Human listened attentively to the mayor.
Ramokgopa praised the community for the manner in which they combined forces to search for the girl.
"It shows the people living here care for each other."
She said the kidnapping was a cause of serious concern. "It is important that a breakthrough be made so that we can know the motive behind it.
"If necessary, we will have to reconsider security measures. Residents' yards must be safe for children to play in."
Fighting crime 'a priority'
She assured Human that Sheldean's disappearance was a priority for the police as well as the metro police.
"We share your sadness. I can only imagine how traumatic it must be for her (Shealdean)," said Ramokgopa.
Members of the community wanted to know from Ramokgopa if the government was really committed to fighting crime.
"Definitely. I can give you that assurance. Crime touches all of us," she said.
- Beeld
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