Tshwane: Police in Gauteng, together with private security companies, have successfully rescued a nine-year-old boy who was kidnapped for four days in Laudium, Tshwane. Five suspects, identified as nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan and aged between 24 and 37, were apprehended in connection with the crime. The suspects are set to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the child, whose parents hail from Afghanistan, was forcefully taken from the residence of his father’s friend on Tuesday. The kidnappers subsequently contacted the boy’s parents, demanding a ransom for his release. In response, a dedicated team comprising members of the South African Police Service and private security companies was formed to address the situation. The team worked diligently and made significant progress on Friday when they located the vehicle used in the kidnapping and arrested two suspects.

Further investigations led the authorities to a house in Danville, Pretoria, where the kidnapped boy was discovered. Two additional suspects were arrested at the scene. The arrested individuals were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, and it was revealed that they are illegally residing in the country. Continued efforts by the police resulted in the capture of a fifth suspect, who reportedly has connections to the victim’s family.

After the rescue operation, the boy was transported to a medical care center for observation and was later reunited with his family. The suspects face charges of kidnapping and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.