SAPS
A Patensie father could face legal troubles after he allegedly kidnapped his child on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says the man argued with the child's mother on a farm in Patensie before grabbing the toddler and disappearing.
She says the mother was not overly concerned as she believed he would return once his anger subsided.
Colonel Naidu says when he did not return by 9 pm the mother alerted police.
She says they searched all night for the 17-month-old child in the orange orchards, but without success.
The K9 unit's Misty was roped in on Wednesday morning.
Misty picked up a scent and police found the 24-year-old father and his toddler huddled between low hanging trees.
Colonel Naidu says it is not known where they might have spent the night.
The child was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up and the father was arrested.
Colonel Naidu says the father was not detained but a statement was taken from him and the matter will now be sent to the courts for a decision on whether or not to prosecute.
