Two suspects who allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old Durban boy and demanded a ransom of R1 million have been arrested and will appear at the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court on Monday.
According to Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, the provincial Hawks spokesperson, two men aged 28 and 29, were apprehended on Thursday by the Hawks, the police’s hostage negotiation unit, Special Task Force members and other policing units, after the two suspects demanded a ransom in exchange for the teenager’s release.
It is alleged that the teenage victim was forcefully taken by three suspects while he was on his way to school. “It is further alleged the suspects also took the driver of the vehicle that was picking up the victim and put him in the boot. The driver was later released at Emachobeni, Inanda.
“A case of kidnapping was reported at Inanda police station and Hawks members were alerted. A joint operation was conducted, and the search ensued,” said Mhlongo.
The alleged suspects demanded a ransom of R1 million, and the victim’s mother paid R90 000. This amount did not secure the release of the teenager.
“A search continued, and two suspects were arrested at Lindelani near Ntuzuma. Their arrest led to the rescue of the victim in one of the informal settlements in Ntuzuma,” said Mhlongo.
The vehicle that was used when the crime was committed was seized and the R90 000 was also recovered. The two suspects were charged with kidnapping and will appear at Ntuzuma Magistrates Court on Monday.
Source: News24, IOL, Times Live, East Coast Radio, Jacaranda FM, image from IOL
