Interpol Joins Search For Father And 5-Year-Old Taken To DRC Without Mom’s Knowledge

Interpol has joined Gauteng police in the search for a man from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who allegedly left South Africa with his five-year-old daughter without documentation or the consent of the child’s mother.

Noluthando Mkhaliphi said she was left shocked after the child’s father, Yannick Lukusa Ilunga, informed her on 5 January that he and Yowa Wamuhle Mkhaliphi were already in the DRC. The child had been visiting him for the school holidays.

Kidnapping Case Opened as Interpol Steps In

Gauteng police have opened a kidnapping case against Ilunga.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that international assistance has been requested.

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“Police are in liaison with Interpol for further investigations and to trace the father and daughter. The complainant is kept abreast of any developments,” she said.

Mkhaliphi confirmed that Interpol officials have since contacted her and taken her statement as part of the investigation.

Mother Fears for Child’s Safety

Mkhaliphi said she is deeply concerned, adding that the last time she spoke to her daughter was on Saturday.

She explained that when she contacted Ilunga to speak to Wamuhle again, he told her they were not together at that moment and that he would call her back later.

Wamuhle was expected to start Grade R on Wednesday at a new school in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, but has not returned to South Africa.

Mkhaliphi and Ilunga ended their relationship four years ago.

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