Kidnapped teens reunited with family after 20 days

TWO North West cousins kidnapped on March 6 were safely reunited with their families after being held hostage for 20 days.

A syndicate comprising seven suspects were arrested by police and charged with two counts of kidnapping and extortion.

The cousins, Zahraa Mohammed, 17, and Bataviya Mohammed, 19, were driving from Bataviya’s home in Brits to school in Hartbeespoort Dam when they were kidnapped.

The cousins were found on Monday evening in a house at New Stands, Klipgat, near Winterveldt and Mabopane in Pretoria.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in the process of locating the victims, police arrested six suspects.

“The seventh suspect, Humphrey Martin, 48, was arrested in the early hours of March 8 at Naturena, in Johannesburg,” Mokgwabone said.

Martin appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on March 11, 18 and 25. He is expected to reappear on April 8 for formal bail application.

“The victims were examined by paramedics at Klipgat police station’s Victims Friendly Room and found to be in a good state of health,” Mokgwabone added.

“It was reported at the time of the incident that the suspects bumped the victims’ car from the front with a maroon Audi A3, to force it to stop.

“The same Audi A3 was reportedly stolen in Garsfontein in March. It is further alleged that two armed men got out of a white Volkwagen Polo GTI and ordered the cousins to get into it. The driver of the Audi got into a Toyota Hilux allegedly driven by Martin.

“The suspects then fled from the crime scene with the victims. The Mercedes-Benz vehicle and the Audi A3 were found at the crime scene.”

Provincial commissioner of police in North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena expressed his gratitude to the multi-disciplinary team for their relentless efforts, which led to the finding of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.