Mitchells Plain woman's world crumbles as son gets abducted near his school, in broad daylight

A Mitchells Plain mother has shared her harrowing experience after her son was abducted near his school last week. Chantel Gibson received the terrifying news on June 2nd, when her son, Seth, was targeted while walking back from a shop near Merrydale and Spine Roads.

Gibson recounted the events of that morning, explaining that Seth had gone to the school at approximately 8:35 am. As he made his way back to school, two men pulled him into a vehicle that was waiting at the traffic lights.

"They asked him for money or whatever he has on him, he said he had nothing on him and they wanted to take his shoes off his feet, but he was fighting them off," Gibson explained. "One guy was driving and the other was sitting at the back holding him and my son said they just suddenly stopped the car and pushed him out on Baden Powell Drive."

Gibson had missed several calls from the school that morning, as she was away from her desk. When she finally answered, she was met with the news that would forever change her perspective.

Gibson recalls: “The first words they said were ‘Good morning. Are you Seth’s mom.’ I said yes and they said ‘I want you to stay calm, but Seth was abducted, but he is OK. He was found’.”

The news sent Gibson's mind spiralling. Surrounded by supportive colleagues, she was taken to the school to reunite with her son. However, the journey was filled with fear and uncertainty. She wondered if the abductors had mistaken Seth for her daughter, who also attends the same school, and if her daughter was aware of the incident.

Gibson stated: “A lot of things run through your mind as a parent. What did the people do to my son? Why my son? Why must I be the parent to get such a phone call? I am so grateful for the protection over my son on that day. His favourite Bible verse is that God will be with you.”

Upon arriving at the school and speaking with Seth, Gibson noticed his hands were "ice cold." He questioned why they had to go to the police station, revealing the trauma he had endured. Gibson reassured him that he was safe, battling her own fears that he could have been taken away.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that "Mitchells Plain SAPS are investigating a case of abduction."

Gibson expressed her gratitude to the woman who assisted Seth after he was pushed out of the vehicle, noting that many cars had driven past without stopping. "It could have been so different, he could have been hurt, he could have been lying there," she said.

Driven by her experience, Gibson is urging other parents to speak to their children about safety and awareness. "I just want to make parents aware to please speak to their children and make them aware of their surroundings," she pleaded.