| 2024/05/23 |
|
Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – A multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) from Bojanala Sub-District 2, Crime Intelligence, Cyber Crime, Phokeng Detectives, the West Rand Visible Policing and Rural Safety Units and PVT Security Company jumped into action to rescue a kidnapped 8-year-old boy. On Monday afternoon, 20 May 2024, six suspects allegedly overpowered a man and woman at a tavern in Freedom Park, Phase 1, Phokeng, close to Rustenburg. They threatened them with firearms, tied them up with cable ties, stole cash and cellular phones, and then left the scene. It was realised a few minutes after the robbery that an eight-year-old boy, who was watching television in the tavern, was missing. It was established that the suspects kidnapped the boy, when they began to demand a ransom for his release. Initial investigations by the multi-disciplinary team determined that the boy was in transit in a vehicle, to Soweto. With the assistance of West Rand Police, supported by PVT Security Company, a high-speed car chase ensued in Krugersdorp, leading to a white Volkswagen Polo that was stopped and searched. Police found the kidnapped boy unharmed inside the vehicle as well as the robbed cellular phones. Consequently, three suspects were arrested on the scene. Further police investigation led to the arrest of the fourth suspect two hours later in Freedom Park, Phokeng. Prince Komanisi (31), Ishmael James Saka (27), Prosperous Mthunzi Skhosana (42) and Thabang Jalvane (33) appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, on charges of kidnapping, extortion and business robbery. They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Monday, 27 May 2024, for their bail application. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked all the members and other role players involved for working diligently to ensure that the alleged perpetrators are brought to book. Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
|
|
|
