Family member and friend linked to KZN children's kidnapping: police

KwaZulu-Natal police have disclosed that a ransom demand was made after three children were kidnapped during a hijacking - and that the suspects are close to the family.

"It is believed that one of the suspects who orchestrated the carjacking and kidnapping is a relative of the victims whilst another is a close family friend‚" said Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.

"The suspects demanded a ransom from the family for the safe release of the children."

The hijacking took place at 6.45am on Monday‚ at Madadeni.

Earlier this week‚ police said a man was driving his uncle’s BMW vehicle‚ with six children‚ when "unknown males waved at him to show that there was something wrong with the tyre".

"He stopped near Qaphelani School to check the tyres when the suspects threatened him with firearms. The suspects pulled him out of the vehicle . . . The suspects fled the scene with three kids."

A joint operation was launched‚ led by the Newcastle Family Violence‚ Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit Commander Captain Nagesh Moothilal‚ Newcastle K9 Unit and Madadeni detectives.

Fortunately for the parents‚ a breakthrough came swiftly.

"The team went to a house in Inverness place‚ in Osizweni where three children were kept by the suspects. A total of four suspects aged between 20 and 26 were arrested after they were found in possession of an unlicensed pistol. A hijacked vehicle has been recovered at Osizweni C section‚" police said.

In the update on the investigation‚ Mbhele said a total of five suspects aged between 20 and 70 had been arrested.

The suspects must answer to charges of carjacking‚ kidnapping and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

"An additional charge of human trafficking will also be added‚" Mbhele said.