Mom kidnaps daughter, vanishes

2008-02-11 09:56

Amy Johnson

Cape Town - A Cape Town mother left a cryptic letter before allegedly kidnapping her daughter, saying she had "no choice" but to flee.

The letter was found among possessions left by Caroline Matthee, 37, after apparently taking daughter, Carla, 10.

Matthee allegedly kidnapped Carla last week Tuesday. According to the letter she fetched Carla from school before fleeing. Carla is a Grade 4 learner at De Tyger Primary School in Parow.

"She is all I have. I will give my life for her. My life is nothing without her," stated the letter.

She was desperate

Matthee's sister, who didn't want her name to be revealed, said she was very concerned about her sister. "I can understand why she did it. I'm not saying it was right, but she was desperate."

"Like any mother she would protect her child from anything."

Carla has been in foster care while her parents are entangled in a supervision battle in court.

"I made a promise to Carla and will keep it."

"I'm leaving with her because she has experienced enough trauma."

"I didn't tell anybody about my plans and will never again contact my family or old friends again."

"I will raise Carla according to the Bible. That's the only education that provides eternal life," stated the letter.

Initially it was believed she was on her way to Vereeniging.

According to an informed person, Matthee was on her way to Graaf-Reinet, Murraysburg and Willowmore and she would visit these towns.

Inspector Carl Matthee, her former husband, said he was not "in a condition to talk".

His sister, whose name was not known, described Caroline Matthee as "an unstable and manipulative" person.

She did, however, add: "We believe she (Caroline) will not do something irresponsible."

Matthee stated in the letter that she would make sure she was not found. "If the police find me, nothing will be left for me. When Carla is 18, I will hand myself over willingly. Then she would be able to fend for herself. I promised I would raise my child for God and I will keep that promise," stated the letter.

Pieter Boshoff, spokesperson for Missing Children SA, said they were searching for Carla in the Eastern Cape. eBlockwatch, an anti-crime network, are also sending out information. Matthee apparently also knew people in Gauteng, so Vereeniging is not excluded. "We keep all options open."

Matthee fled in a bronze-coloured Mazda 323 (1987 model) with registration number CJ194041.

Anybody with information is requested to call 072 MISSING (647 7464) or the investigating officer, captain Ruan Brummer, at 084 459 4477.

- Die Burger