Benita Fredericks, the 13-year-old Essequibo girl taken from her parents’ home two weeks ago, was found yesterday after being seen boarding a boat at the Alfro Alphonso Wharf at Charity with the man that had been holding her captive.
Fredericks, of the New Opportunity Corps Compound, at Onder-neeming, Essequibo Coast, went missing on January 24 when she was seen leaving her home in a car around midnight with the man, who reportedly hails from Riverstown Sands.
The teen’s father, Alvin Fredericks, yesterday told Stabroek News that he received information that the man had planned to escape to Venezuela with his daughter on Sunday last. As a result, he contacted several persons who often travel that route and asked one friend to “keep watch” around 5am, when he was told the two would be leaving.
“He saw her and the man in the boat and they were about to pull off when he hurry back and get the police who reacted very promptly and they were able to arrest the man,” a relieved Fredericks said.
The girl’s father told this publication that the man remained in police custody and he is hopeful that he will not be released as he fears he may attempt to escape again.
The man noted that his daughter has since been taken to a hospital for a general medical to be done and they are awaiting results. “She don’t look so good… like you can see she is not too well in her eyes,” he said.
Fredericks said he has not yet been able to speak to his daughter and get a recount of what transpired throughout the two weeks she spent with the man, who is said to be three times her age, as she is in the hands of the police.
