Eva Tembo, a six-year-old girl was last seen on July 16, was allegedly kidnapped by Carlos Rebelo, her mother’s employer.
This is according to information released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Rebelo has now reportedly made demands for the child’s safe return.
Susana Kennedy, the daughter of Carlos Rebelo, made the case go viral as she posted on her social media. She accused her father of sexually assaulting her until she was 11 and expressed worry over Tembo.
“One of my worst nightmares has come true. This man is my biological father... He has kidnapped this six-year-old girl. Her name is Eva,” Kennedy posted on Instagram.
As reported by News24, Rebelo phoned them to speak about the circumstances of returning the girl to her parents. The news outlet reportedly reached out to the accused kidnapper through email before subsequently speaking with him over WhatsApp.
“In the call, he revealed that he would return the child if he got free legal representation to retain custody, and that he wanted the court order reviewed,” reported News24.
Rebelo was quoted as saying that since Eva was born, he is the only person who ‘lives for her well-being and happiness’. Rebelo reportedly said it is his mission as the child chose him.
Rebelo, who employed Tembo’s mother as a domestic worker also reportedly said that he has been raising the child, providing for her everyday with ‘infinite love.’
News24 purportedly also spoke with the missing child and she reportedly told the media house that she was okay and was with, ‘papa’.
Meanwhile, Rebelo’s daughter Kennedy claimed on social media that her father is not of sound mind, and that if found, should be approached carefully.
IOL