Update

GEORGE NEWS - The case against Mvuyisi Zweni (33), the man charged with kidnapping after he picked up a toddler (3) in a shopping centre and walked away with her in May this year, is set to be heard in the George Regional Court. 

The court date is scheduled to be confirmed with Zweni's next court appearance on Thursday 18 August. Zweni made his latest court appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Thursday 4 August.

The incident took place in New Harvest in Eden Meander Lifestyle Centre, where Zweni was employed as a security guard at the time.

He was arrested a few days after the incident and made his first court appearance on a charge of kidnapping on Wednesday 25 May, when he was released on bail of R500. 

The incident was recorded on CCTV video footage, where Zweni can be seen picking up the little girl and making off with her while the mother's back is turned.

The toddler's six-year-old brother alerts her and she promptly runs after the man. About 15 seconds later she returns with the crying little girl in her arms. 

She told George Herald that the man came to her shortly afterwards, while she was still calming her daughter, and apologised saying, "I'm sorry. I like children. I wanted to play with her...".

This conversation happened off-camera.

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