A young boy who was reported missing after taking an e-hailing ride from Gateway has safely returned home, following an alleged kidnapping ordeal that has left his family shaken.
The incident reportedly began as a routine trip from Gateway but escalated after the boy accidentally damaged the vehicle door by hitting a fire hydrant.
It is alleged that the driver demanded R150 for repairs, along with an additional R250 for time lost. Instead of resolving the matter, the driver allegedly abducted the boy and took him to an acquaintance’s home, where he was assaulted.
According to reports, the driver and the acquaintance discussed bringing in a third individual, believed to be around the victim’s age, to further harm him once payment had been secured.
The suspects allegedly received an eWallet payment of R500 before releasing the boy. They reportedly stopped at a garage to withdraw the funds before dropping him off at the Trade Centre.
The victim was allegedly threatened and warned not to report the incident, with threats made against his family.
The boy has since been reunited with his father, and the two are currently at the South African Police Service station in Phoenix, where a case is being opened.
Police are expected to investigate the matter further.