In a growing number of nations, including South Africa, home invasions and kidnappings are becoming more common. They break in at night and look for homes that are suitable for children before stealing their possessions, cash, and jewelry.
Attackers may occasionally kidnap children and demand a ransom from their victims’ families in exchange for the child.
They asked Lucas’s grandmother, Zelinda, to look after their three years old grandson because both of the parents had to go to work.
Lucas’s grandmother went to the bed in his room before going to sleep after a fun-filled day. Grandma Zelinda describes the events of that evening as follows:
“In the middle of the night, I overheard some noises coming from the front door. When I tried to turn on the light in my room, the whole house lost power. I immediately recognized that something was off. I quickly made my way to Lucas’ room and gently cuddled him without disturbing him. I knew someone was inside when I heard footsteps immediately coming from the ground floor.”
“I was on the rooftop with Lucas in my arms, my heart racing quickly, and I started to tremble with fear as the house was completely dark. With an end goal to find the home gatecrashers, I took a little tumble from the steps. I heard footsteps in the front room, so I went to the kitchen and opened the carport door. I was unable to proceed because the garage door was locked and I didn’t have the key.”
“Without disturbing Lucas, I placed him in the car’s trunk gently. I decided not to shout because I was afraid I would choke. As I returned to the kitchen, a strong hand grabbed me, and whispered, “Don’t move, don’t make noise, where is the child?” with a low voice.”
“Two men were wearing masks. I was asked, “Where is the child?” once again. One of them became enraged when I told them he wasn’t home, he grabbed me by the back of my head, slammed me to the living room floor, and yelled, “Don’t Move.” The men began searching the house with handheld flashlights.”
“I could have run out the door, but I knew Lucas was there, so I followed their instructions and stood still on the floor. As soon as the men entered the kitchen, I grabbed a chair and threw it through the large window in the living room. The glass broke as a result of the extremely loud sound. The men fled in terror, unaware of the situation.”
“I went to Lucas, who was still sleeping, i embraced him, kissed him, I sobbed wildly and broke. The Neighbors arrived as soon as the noise was heard.
The police were contacted. It’s good that nothing happened or anyone got hurt. Though I had heard about kidnappings of children, I never imagined it would happen to me.”
The grandmother received praise for her self-control and tenacity from the police and her neighbors. Furthermore, Lucas asked, “Grandmother, what has been going on with the window?” as he observed the family room’s broken window.”
“I broke it,“ was the grandmother’s response.
“Will Mom and Dad be angry because you broke the window?” Lucas questioned.
“I’m sure they’ll understand,” the grandmother said with a grin.