New charge for man accused of abducting Miguel Louw
The man accused of abducting 10-year-old Miguel Louw is now facing a trafficking charge.
Miguel disappeared from outside Rippon Primary School in Durban's Sydenham area two weeks ago.
CCTV footage of the alleged abduction led police to arrest a 43-year-old suspect on charges of kidnapping just days later. But, despite their swift action, the boy is still missing.
Miguel's grandmother, Arlene Paul says the community has rallied behind them. She says more people are joining the search for the boy.
The accused made his second appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court today. It was an emotional day in court, with Miguel's family lining the benches in the gallery.
Louw wept and pleaded with the man to tell her where her son is.
The suspect did not acknowledge her - but kept his gaze fixed straight ahead.
The court heard that the charge levelled against the accused has been changed from one of kidnapping to one of trafficking in persons. Organised crime has taken over the investigation.
The case has been adjourned until next week. In the meantime, the accused has been remanded in custody at the Durban North police cells.
CCTV footage of the alleged abduction led police to arrest a 43-year-old suspect on charges of kidnapping just days later. But, despite their swift action, the boy is still missing.
Miguel's grandmother, Arlene Paul says the community has rallied behind them. She says more people are joining the search for the boy.
The accused made his second appearance in the Durban Magistrate's Court today. It was an emotional day in court, with Miguel's family lining the benches in the gallery.
His mother, Raylene Louw, struggled to contain herself when the accused was led into the dock.
NOW READ: Sydenham family desperate to find kidnapped 10-year-old boy
The State has asked that the accused's identity be withheld for now.Louw wept and pleaded with the man to tell her where her son is.
The suspect did not acknowledge her - but kept his gaze fixed straight ahead.
The court heard that the charge levelled against the accused has been changed from one of kidnapping to one of trafficking in persons. Organised crime has taken over the investigation.
The case has been adjourned until next week. In the meantime, the accused has been remanded in custody at the Durban North police cells.