Close family friend, relative among those arrested for Newcastle kidnapping

More shocking information has been revealed by police regarding yesterday’s attempted kidnapping in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Newcastle Advertiser reports.

Three Newcastle schoolgirls were abducted in Madadeni on their way to school.

READ MORE: Kidnapped girls and hijacked vehicle found in Newcastle informal settlement

In a surprise turn of events, police confirmed that a close friend and a relative were among the suspects arrested for the kidnapping of the children.

“It is believed that one of the suspects who orchestrated the carjacking and kidnapping is a relative of the victim’s, whilst another is a close family friend.”

In an official police statement, it was also revealed the suspects demanded a ransom from the family for the safe release of the children.

Authorities rescued the children from a house in Inverness, oSizweni, where they were being kept hostage.

“A total of five suspects, aged between 20 and 70, were arrested. They were also found in possession of an unlicensed pistol.  The hijacked vehicle was recovered at oSizweni, C section.”

The suspects will appear in the Madadeni Magistrates’ Court tomorrow on charges of carjacking, kidnapping and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

An additional charge of human trafficking will also be added.

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