Kidnapped eMalahleni siblings found, alleged abductor arrested

eMalahleni police on Thursday confirmed that two siblings reported missing in the Mpumalanga town last week have been found safe and unharmed.

TimesLIVE reported on Monday morning that their mother, Khetsiwe Khoza, begged for the safe return of her children, Siphosethu Dlamini, 11, and Bonginkosi Khoza, 5.

She said she had last seen her children on Friday morning when they left for school and returned home to an unlocked house with the children nowhere in sight.

Capt Elizabeth Mkaudi said the children had been suddenly returned home on Monday afternoon in the midst of an intensified police probe.

“A 54-year-old woman is expected to appear before the eMalahleni magistrate's court [on Thursday] facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice and kidnapping,” said Mkaudi.

The woman is known to the mother.

“Police conducted their investigation and on Monday were informed by a neighbour that the children were back at home.

“During a short investigation, it came forth that the very same neighbour is allegedly involved in the disappearance of the children and was arrested, hence her court appearance,” said Mkaudi.

Police declined to provide more information, saying further details would be divulged during the court proceedings.

TimesLIVE