CAPE FEAR

Missing child incident at Strand Beach raises big safety concerns

- BY MURRAY SWART

A SIX-year-old child was found with an adult male under suspicious circumstances at Strand Beach on Saturday, prompting the City of Cape Town to warn parents to stay alert as the festive season approaches.

According to Strand Patrol chairperson KC Gericke, neighbourhood watch members responded to a report of a missing child who had last been seen swimming.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was called in to assist in the search.

"During the search, the child was found with an adult male under highly concerning circumstances," said Gericke. "When confronted, the suspect ran off into nearby bushes. Despite an extensive two-hour search, he was not found."

Gericke added that the child and their mother received help following the incident.