Police in Gauteng, together with private security companies, on Friday rescued a nine-year-old boy who had been kidnapped for four days in Laudium, in Tshwane.
Five suspects, who are Pakistan and Afghanistan nationals aged between 24 and 37, were arrested.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The boy, whose parents are from Afghanistan, was forcefully taken from the house of the father's friend in Laudium on Tuesday.
The suspects called the parents demanding a ransom.
“A team comprising of South African Police Service and private security companies was established to rescue the boy and find the suspects. The team worked tirelessly and made a breakthrough on Friday when they found the vehicle that was used during the kidnapping and arrested two suspects,” said the police in a statement.
The suspects led the police to a house in Danville, Pretoria, where the kidnapped child was found and two more suspects were arrested.
The suspects were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and it was further discovered that they are in the country illegal.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the fifth suspect who is known to the family.
The boy was taken to a medical care centre for observation and later reunited with his family.
The suspects have been charged with kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za
