Cape Town – Three men were arrested on Thursday in the North West province for kidnapping boys and forcing them to join an illegal initiation school.
The arrests came after parents reported their children missing, leading the police to discover an illegal initiation school between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages outside Mahikeng
The suspects recruited boys from the surrounding areas and then demanded money from their parents for their safety.
About 40 boys between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued, and the illegal schools were shut down, the report said.
“According to information received, the suspects were arrested after parents reported children missing at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe police stations. Investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school between Ramatlabama and Tsetse villages outside Mahikeng.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the three suspects mobilised unsuspecting young boys from villages around Mahikeng and Lehurutshe to join the initiation school.
“Moreover, and after recruiting these young boys, they would call the parents and demand money for the safety of the victims. Consequently, about 40 initiates between the ages of 15 and 20 were rescued. The illegal schools were closed while the boys were taken to a local hospital where they were treated,” police spokesperson lieutenant colonel Amanda Funani said.
One suspect has already appeared in court, while the other two are expected to make their first court appearances soon.
The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and violating the Customary Initiation Act.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Getty Images
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
