- Seven suspects involved in the Kriel high school kidnapping incident were denied bail.
- The suspects appeared in Kriel Magistrates Court on Thursday.
- The incident involved a minor being kidnapped from her school earlier this week.
Seven suspects involved in the kidnapping of a minor at a high school in Kriel, Mpumalanga, were denied bail in their court appearance on 25 July 2024.
Suspects denied bail: Here’s what the court determined
The seven suspects, arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping of a high school learner, appeared in the Kriel Magistrates Court on Thursday, 25 July 2024.
The court denied bail for all suspects and postponed the case to Monday, 29 July 2024, for the appointment of legal aid and private lawyers.
Kriel high school kidnapping incident: Here’s what happened
According to a statement released by the Hawks, the kidnapping incident occurred on Monday, 22 July 2024.
Four suspects, a female and three males, visited a high school in Kriel. The female suspect entered the school while her accomplices waited in a vehicle.
She approached a learner, asked her to fetch the victim, and informed the victim that her mother was ill.
When the victim came running, the suspects claimed they were sent to fetch her. The victim entered the vehicle, and the suspects drove away.
The suspects alleged that the victim’s mother owed them money and began demanding a ransom of R200,000.
The complainant, a businesswoman, stated she only had R9,000, which was deposited into three bank accounts provided by the suspects.
The suspects withdrew the funds. The incident was reported to the police, who swiftly assembled a multidisciplinary team, which included SAPS’s suicide and hostage negotiator.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspects’ vehicle near where the money was withdrawn, leading the team to Vosloorus in Gauteng.
Four suspects were arrested, and the victim was rescued unharmed.
Further investigation resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects in Kriel. The ransom money was recovered.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, praised the team’s swift action and urged community members to join hands in fighting the rise in kidnapping incidents.
“Parents and educators are advised to sensitize children about not leaving with anyone unless specifically arranged by parents,” he said. “The department should ensure school safety and restrict entry to school premises.”