Residents and business owners from Gatesville and other communities picketed to demand the safe return of kidnapped 8 year old Abirah Dekhta. The 8 year old was abducted on November 4 outside Rylands Primary School while sitting in her school transport vehicle.

The residents proceeded from Hazel Road parking area to the corner of Klipfontein Road and Jakes Gerbil Drive with placards and chanting slogans including “Bring Back Abirah”. The community is demanding urgent action from police and government.

Shakiera Ganief-Kubie said “For me it’s pathetic even the turnout today because there’s a 8 year old girl missing. She’s been taken from her family. How do I sleep at night not doing anything. You see why I’m here is because it’s my daughter who I’ve never met.”

Farhana Gaffoor who stood alongside Jakes Gerwel Drive with a placard said she decided to join the picket because “I’m angry. I’m angry that people are taking our children. I want them to come home safe.I’m angry. Please being Abirah safe home.”

A visibly upset Tammy Allan said “They’re not doing anything. Parliament get off your bladdy arses and come stand here. Where’s the councillor ? Why isn’t he here?”

The community has planned further protests, indicating they may march to parliament, if 8 year old Abirah is not found. There have been several recent kidnappings in Cape Town involving business owners and their families. The Dekhta family own several cellphone related stores and businesses within the Gatesville area.