Brits teens found unharmed after kidnapping episode
Brit teens, Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19), kidnapped on 6 March, have been found safe.
The cousins, Zahraa Mohammed (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19), who were kidnapped on 6 March, 2024, have been safely located, showcasing commendable teamwork and determination.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in North West, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies.
They found the cousins on the evening of 25 March at a house in New Stands, Klipgat, near Winterveldt and Mabopane.
COMMISSIONER PRAISES TEAM EFFORT IN KIDNAPPED TEENS RESCUE
Lieutenant General Kwena expressed gratitude, stating, “The multi-disciplinary team comprising of Provincial Organised Crime, Head Office Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Task Team, and Brits Crime Intelligence worked tirelessly to locate the cousins.”
During the operation, they apprehended six suspects, with the seventh suspect, Humphrey Martin, aged 48, being arrested in the early hours of 8 March, in Johannesburg. Additionally, Martin has since appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Court multiple times and remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Following their ordeal, paramedics at Klipgat police station’s Victims Friendly Room (VFR) examined the victims. They found them to be in relatively good health, albeit suffering from exhaustion and trauma.
Furthermore, they were safely reunited with their families without any visible injuries.
UNFOLDING THE ACCIDENT
The kidnapping incident involved the suspects using a maroon Audi A3 to force the victims’ car to stop.
Two armed men reportedly ordered the cousins into a white Volkswagen Polo GTI. The driver of the Audi got into a Toyota Hilux allegedly driven by Humphrey Martin.
The suspects fled the scene with the victims, leaving behind the stolen Audi A3 and the victims’ Mercedes Benz vehicle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Audi A3 was stolen in Garsfontein in March of the same year. The suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion in court.
POLICE COMMISSIONER SENDS CLEAR MESSAGE: CRIMINALS WILL BE EXPOSED
Lieutenant General Kwena emphasised the significance of the arrests, stating, “The arrests will without doubt sound a warning that those who commit crimes have no place to hide in society and will be exposed.”
The successful resolution of the case serves as a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies. It also highlights their effectiveness in ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
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