A nine-year-old boy, kidnapped in Laudium, Tshwane, has been rescued after a four-day ordeal. The boy, whose parents are from Afghanistan, was forcibly taken from the home of his father's friend on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Following the abduction, the suspects demanded a ransom from the family.
A joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies was launched to locate and rescue the child. The operation culminated in a breakthrough on Friday when police identified the vehicle used in the kidnapping and arrested two suspects. These suspects led officers to a house in Danville, Pretoria, where the boy was found and two additional suspects were apprehended.
Police discovered the suspects, aged between 24 and 37, were nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan. They were in possession of an unlicensed firearm, and further investigations revealed they were living in the country illegally. A fifth suspect, known to the family, was later arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The boy was taken to a medical facility for observation and was subsequently reunited with his family. The suspects face charges of kidnapping and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court soon.