Girl ‘kidnapped by bus driver’ aged 7 escapes from 12 years of captivity

A seven-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped by a bus driver has managed to escape from 12 years of captivity. Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita has been arrested for reportedly abducting and sexually abusing the young woman. The accused allegedly used his position as a bus driver to kidnap the victim in 2012, when she was just seven years old. He is said to have kept her hidden in properties in Medellin and Bello, Colombia, manipulating her psychologically and subjecting her to sexual abuse, leading her to believe this behaviour was normal.

During her captivity, the girl was unable to be traced by her family and did not attend school. It wasn’t until she turned 16 that she reportedly confronted Grisales Higuita and managed to break free from him in February of this year. The alleged abuser was apprehended in Medellin this week and is facing charges that include the rape of a minor and the production of child pornography. Despite appearing in court and denying the charges, he remains in custody.

A statement from the prosecutor’s office revealed the extent of the manipulation the victim endured, with her name being changed, moved to different locations, taken out of school, and isolated from communication with others. This distressing case sheds light on the prevalence of child sex abuse in Medellin and the Antioquia region, prompting outrage across the country. Figures for January to August this year already show 1,176 reported cases of alleged sexual abuse against minors in the region.

This appalling incident highlights the importance of vigilance and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, from potential harm and exploitation. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent measures to prevent and combat such heinous crimes in society.