A 75-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman have been arrested in Melkbosstrand after allegedly offering to buy a child from a caregiver in Table View.
The pair were arrested on Tuesday at about 2:30pm and face charges of human trafficking and attempted kidnapping, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police launch search after Table View report
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said officers responded to an all-points bulletin after an incident involving a babysitter and a young child in Table View.
The suspects allegedly approached the caregiver and offered to buy the child. The incident was reported to police, triggering a search for the couple.
Police later traced the suspects to Melkbosstrand, where the man and woman were taken into custody.
Traut said the investigation remains ongoing and more information could be released as police clarify the circumstances.
Reports point to more than one incident
Further allegations suggest the couple may have approached caregivers on more than one occasion.
One reported incident took place on 6 August in Raven Road. An elderly couple travelling in a blue Ford Fiesta allegedly approached a nanny who was taking a baby to a park.
The pair reportedly asked to see the child in the pram before allegedly offering to buy the baby. The nanny then left the area and informed the child’s parents.
A similar incident was later reported in Windsor Road, West Beach, where another childminder was allegedly approached while walking a baby to a nearby park.
The couple allegedly made another offer to buy the child.
Couple faces human trafficking charges
Police have not released further details about the suspects or the children involved.
SAPS confirmed that the 75-year-old man and 68-year-old woman are facing charges of human trafficking and attempted kidnapping following their arrest in Melkbosstrand.
The investigation remains active, with police indicating that further details may be released as more information becomes available.
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