A seven-year-old child is in critical condition after reportedly being assaulted by the stepfather at a farm in oThongathi, north of Durban.

The man, who is now wanted, is said to have disappeared with a three-year-old child.

IPSS Search and Rescue Spokesperson, Samantha Myrick says, “The child was found in a critical condition after reportedly being assaulted by their stepfather.”

“The child was stabilised by IPSS Medical Rescue Advanced Life Support and transported to a nearby facility for further care. The stepfather then disappeared with the three-year-old child.”

She adds, “Umhlali SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, IPSS Search & Rescue and local community members are currently on scene, searching the area for the missing child.”