MPUMALANGA – Four suspects aged between 21 and 50 are expected to appear before the court for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of two children aged 11 and 14 respectively, during a house robbery at Siyabuswa.
The investigation by police revealed that the children, whose father is a businessman, were kidnapped by four armed men, on Thursday, 10 September 2020, who then took them to a house in Limpopo. The suspects also made off with personal belongings including a vehicle (Nissan Livina) as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. The stolen vehicle was however found left abandoned not far from the victims’ house and the children were driven in a different vehicle.
The suspects then contacted the kids’ parents and demanded a ransom for their release. The matter was reported to the police and a manhunt ensued where a team comprising of various formations within the police was activated.
On Friday, 11 September 2020, the team followed information that shed light into where the kids were being held, hostage. They (team members) responded to the information where they managed to make a breakthrough whereupon four suspects were arrested and the children were safely found. The suspects were found in possession of a firearm as well as some belongings believed to have been taken during the robbery. A grey Hyundai Elantra (sedan) which was used by the men to carry out their evil plan was confiscated as well.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 14 September 2020, facing charges of house robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police cannot rule out any possibility of linking them to other cases.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect, in this case, can kindly contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Jan Phofele at 079 499 5244 or call the Crime Stop number 08600 1011, alternatively, a tip-off can be dropped on the MySAPSApp that can be downloaded to any smartphone. All information will be treated with confidentiality and callers may opt to remain anonymous.