Missing kid, mom reunited

Port Elizabeth - Three-year-old Roxanne Stuurman, who has been missing for almost a month, was reunited with her mother Portia early on Friday.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the family violence, child protection and sexual offence unit had been following all possible leads since June 10 when Roxanne was reported missing at the Algoa Park Police station. 

"It is alleged the young girl was taken to Kenako Mall in Struandale, Port Elizabeth, by her mother’s ex-boyfriend at about 13:50 [on the day]."

"After two hours, the mother tried contacting the 28-year-old friend, but his phone was off. After some time, he called the mother back and promised to bring the child back home, but never kept his promise," said Janse van Rensburg.

The investigating officer had received received information that the suspect and the little girl were in the Fort Beaufort area late on Thursday and members immediately drove through. 

"At approximately 21:00 they positively identified the address and the suspect was arrested. Roxanne Stuurman were also found in the house."

Janse van Rensburg said Roxanne had been reunited with her mother during the early hours of Friday morning. 

"The investigator also arranged [for] Roxanne be examined by a doctor at Dora Nginza Hospital," she said.

Janse van Rensburg said the suspect would appear in the New Brighton Magistrate court on Monday on a kidnapping charge.