Cape Town teenager trafficked after meeting predator on Instagram
An 18-year-old girl was rescued after being lured to Durban via an Instgram 'friend'.
Image: Independent Newspapers
In a harrowing case that has prompted urgent warnings from police, an 18-year-old girl has been rescued from her alleged abductors and rapists who lured her from Manenberg to Durban, using an Instagram account.
The ordeal began when the teen's perpetrators, reportedly Pakistani nationals, allegedly used false promises of friendship to entice her to leave home.
After being convinced to take an e-hailing service to Cape Town International Airport, the girl, with special needs, boarded a flight to Durban, unwittingly stepping into a trap that would lead to her assault.
Police say while a case of rape has been opened for investigation, more charges are expected to be added.
They said the teen said she was also taken to Gqeberha where she was raped.
“This office confirms that a case of rape was opened at Manenberg SAPS.
"I will be transferred to Gqeberha where the incident occurred, for further investigation,” said police spokesperson, Ndakhe Gwala.
Manenberg SAPS was contacted by the teen’s frantic parents after the abductors lured her from her residence.
With the assistance of her parents, the teen was traced to the location in Durban where she was rescued last week.
Sadly, once she reached her destination, she was raped.
The Cape Argus has approached the teen's parents for comment, who said they conducted their own investigation, which led to the success of their child being found and declined to comment further.
Manenberg Police Station Commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, said the case was an example of how dangerous social media can be.
Naidoo added that the investigation would probe the involvement of women.
“Recently, an 18-year-old special needs girl was picked up by an Uber in Manenberg, driven to the airport, where she got on a plane destined for Durban, all through social media,” he said.
“So many questions to be asked. There are people that would blame the victim.
“But what if it happens to your child?
“It ended very badly as before we could bring her home, she was raped.
“Police will be investigating a case of rape and other charges could be added as the investigation unfolds.
“The perpetrators include women who were involved with these scams. Be warned.
“Anyone with information can contact Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9000 or Crime Stop at 0860 010 111.”
He called on parents to be aware and alert of how criminals can utilise social media for crimes.
“Parents, be warned if you are not talking to your children, who is?”
“The 'stranger danger' has taken on a new form, the form of social media.
"The form of conversation that illuminates strangers but is a bigger danger.
“Our young people are targets of syndicates that leave our young people impressed and wowed, luring them into a dark web of social abuse.
“Children will remain silent as they seem to want to handle adult issues, which destroys their fragile lives.
"It seems our young people are dragged into the dark world of social media to be abused by individuals who seem to impress them.
“Parents are the first line of defence and help for children.
“Therefore, a relationship must be kept.
"Parents shouldn't become friends with their children but should remain friends with an open listening ear.”