A Vangate kidnapping attempt at the Cape Town shopping centre ended in a quick arrest after a family refused to let go of their child. Police say the incident happened at about 10:30 on Saturday, 13 December 2025 at Vangate Mall in Athlone. The swift action of the family prevented a successful Vangate kidnapping attempt.
According to police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk, a mother was walking hand-in-hand with her five-year-old daughter when an unknown man approached and tried to pull the child away. The mother held on, which sparked a brief struggle during this kidnapping attempt near Vangate.
Father Steps In As Crowd Gathers
Police say the girl’s father saw what was happening and stepped in. His intervention stopped the attempted abduction. This intervention was crucial in thwarting the Vangate kidnapping attempt.
Afterwards, videos of the arrest spread online. They show community members gathering near a police van, shouting and threatening the suspect. Some footage also appears to show another man being detained, but police confirmed only one arrest related to the Vangate kidnapping attempt.
Police Open Case and Support Family
Police arrested a 30-year-old man. Officers then placed him under guard at a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police have not confirmed how he got injured during the kidnapping attempt associated with the Vangate incident.
Van Wyk said police opened an attempted kidnapping case. He also said the parents and child received counselling at the Athlone Victim Support room.
Safety Reminders For Festive Season
With malls packed during the festive rush, local missing persons advocates have urged parents to stay alert, supervise children closely, and avoid bringing small kids into crowded shopping spaces when possible. They warn that a lapse of a few seconds can be enough for someone to make a kidnapping attempt.
