The men are alleged to have demanded a ransom of R15 million, which was later reduced to R6 million. Picture: X
Five foreign national men, who were arrested for the alleged kidnapping of a nine-year-old boy and demanded a R15 million ransom, made their first appearance in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Maisa Hussain, 24, an Afghanistan national, together with Pakistan nationals Gulfam Azam, 29, Yasir Mahmood, 29, Bilawal Arif, 30, and Faisal Khuoot, 30, of Laudium, are facing charges of kidnapping, unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and extortion.
The matter was adjourned to today for a foreign-intepreter to be arranged.
Lumka Mahanjana, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Pretoria, said it was alleged that on January 19 the boy was playing with his cousin on the driveway outside his relative’s home when a car stopped nearby.
“The five accused allegedly exited the vehicle, grabbed the boy, and drove away. The victim’s cousin ran into the house to alert the family, who immediately reported the matter to the police.
“While at the police station, it is alleged that the victim’s mother received a phone call from one of the accused, demanding a ransom of R15 million for her child’s release. The ransom demand was later reduced to R6 million,” she said.
Mahanjana said following an investigation by the SAPS, the vehicle used in the alleged kidnapping was traced to a shop in Laudium on January 24.
She said Hussain and Azam were arrested at the shop.
“The accused then led the police to a house in Danville where the victim was found along with Mahmood and Arif, who were arrested at the scene. Later that same day, Khuoot was arrested at his residence in Laudium.
“The NPA commends the SAPS for their swift action, ensuring the safe recovery of the child and the arrest of the accused. The NPA will continue to pursue justice in this matter,” said Mahanjana.
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