| Family of seven rescued during a kidnapping saga near Lebombo Border | |
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| Date Published: | 2023/09/27 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT - Teamwork between members of the SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) saved seven family members before their vehicle could be smuggled into Mozambique through Lebombo Border line. According to information, an elderly woman was taking her six family members, two teenage boys, two teenage girls and two toddlers, to their grandparents' place at Block C from their residence in KaMaqhekezaon Tuesday night, 26 September 2023 at about 20:00. Before the family could leave, four armed suspects are said to have forced them into their family vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner. They were held hostage then driven into the bushes towards the border line by their assailants who worked on the vehicle in what is believed to be disconnecting the tracking device. The victim's husband became suspicious when his wife failed to return home as expected. He later discovered that his family was in trouble after he was unable to get hold of them and immediately reported to the police who also activated SANDF. The team jointly managed to rescue the victims from the bushes and the vehicle was recovered in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 27 September 2023. The suspects somehow escaped and evaded arrest when they noticed the law enforcers. Surprisingly, during their rescue two extra vehicles were also recovered nearby at various locations along the border line. The cars recovered included, a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie which was reported stolen at KaMhlushwa as well as a Toyota GD-6 double cab bakkie which was reported stolen in Garsfontein (Gauteng Province). The suspects are still at large and Police urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the team work displayed by both the SAPS in conjunction with the SANDF, especially for saving the lives of the victims and the recovery of the vehicles. Ends
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