The case involving three suspects, aged between 20 and 67, appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court today, February 12, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 9-year-old East London girl.
The matter has been remanded to February 19 for a formal bail application.
Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, revealed that the 9-year-old victim, who was allegedly kidnapped by unknown suspects on February 3, was released unharmed in the early hours of today, February 12 near Inyibiba Police Station.
Commenting on her kidnapping, Mhlakuvana stated: “The reports indicated that the victim was coming from school at Buffalo Flats to her home, where two unidentified suspects accosted her into a silver-grey Toyota Corolla and took her to an unknown place.”
“Through an investigation by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Kidnapping Task Team of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, East London Public Order Police, East London Flying Squad, and Provincial Hostage Negotiators, the suspects were arrested on February 5,” he stated.
“The trio appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court the next day, where they were remanded in custody for bail consideration. All three suspects were positively linked with the aforesaid kidnapping,” he reported.
“The threesome is remanded in custody, and more arrests are imminent as the investigation continues,” he added.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Obed Ngwenya, applauded the joint team for their sterling job in apprehending the suspects and bringing the minor back unharmed.
