SA Police rescue kidnapped nine-year-old Afghan, nab two suspects

The South African police, in partnership with private security companies, successfully rescued a nine-year-old boy who had been kidnapped for four days in Laudium, Pretoria.

The child, whose parents are Afghan nationals, was abducted on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, while visiting his father’s friend in Laudium. The suspects, identified as foreign nationals from Pakistan and Afghanistan, demanded a ransom for the boy’s release.

A multidisciplinary task team, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security personnel, was immediately formed.

The operation gained traction on Friday, January 24, when authorities traced a vehicle linked to the crime. This led to the arrest of two suspects.

Further investigations guided police to a house in Danville, Pretoria, where the boy was safely rescued.

Two more suspects were arrested at the location, where an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were also recovered. A fifth suspect, reportedly known to the family, was later apprehended.

All five suspects, aged between 24 and 37, were confirmed to be in the country illegally. They now face charges of kidnapping, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and ammunition violations.

The boy was taken to a medical facility for observation and has since been reunited with his family. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 27, 2025.