Polokwane — A 20-year-old learner and his friend, 24, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly faking a kidnapping and demanding R7 000 ransom from his family.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the 20-year-old’s mother became worried when he did not return from school on Friday and informed her husband.
“The husband was also suprised because he said he received several messages from his son’s number indicating that he must call him but when he called back, he didn’t answer,” said Mojapelo.
Later in the evening, an unknown person reportedly called the family using the supposed victim’s number and demanded R7 000, threatening to kill the victim if they failed to comply.
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“The matter was immediately reported to the police and a case of kidnapping was opened. Immediate action was taken by deploying a special team that included the SAPS hostage negotiators, for thorough investigation and possible arrest of the culprits. Investigation revealed that the victim was in Tafelkop under Motetema policing area,” Mojapelo added.
The victim and the kidnapper were taken in for questioning. They were arrested after confessing to conspiring the kidnapping in order to get the money from the family.
The two suspects will appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday 13 March 2023 facing a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud and uttery.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
