Five men, including an Afghan national and four Pakistanis, appeared in court in South Africa on Monday facing charges of kidnapping, extortion, and illegal possession of firearms. The men allegedly abducted a nine-year-old boy from Laudium and demanded a ransom of R15 million for his release, which was later reduced to R6 million.
An Afghan national, Maisa Hussain, 24, and four Pakistanis, Gulfam Azam, 29, Yasir Mahmood, 29, Bilawal Arif, 30, and Faisal Khuoot, 30, appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrates' Court on Monday facing charges of kidnapping, unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and extortion. The five men, all from Laudium, are accused of kidnapping a nine-year-old boy on January 19, 2025.
The victim was playing with his cousin 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. Following an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the vehicle used in the kidnapping was traced to a shop in Laudium on January 24, 2025, where Hussain and Azam were arrested. The accused then led the police to a house in Danville, where the nine-year-old 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.Mahanjana said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends SAPS for their swift action, ensuring the safe recovery of the child and the arrest of the accused.
KIDNAPPING EXTORTION FIREARMS SOUTH AFRICA LAUDIUM
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Brothers Accused of Murdering Durban Businessman Appear in CourtTwo brothers accused of murdering Durban businessman Shailen Singh made their first court appearance on Friday. The 32-year-old was shot multiple times in his vehicle in Umhlanga on Sunday. The court heard that the accused handed themselves over to police and will undergo an identity parade despite their names and photographs being released to the media before formal charges were laid.
Read more »
Mandela’s grandson a no show as co-accused appear in courtNelson Mandela's grandson Mbuso has had his fair share of clashes with the law, and this time, he was nabbed for possession of a hijacked car.
Read more »
Mandela’s grandson doesn’t appear in court as co-accused seek bail in hijacking caseNelson Mandela’s grandson was notably absent at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Friday, where four of his co-accused appeared.
Read more »
Man to Appear in Court for Murder of Stepson and Attempted Murder of NephewA 39-year-old man will face charges of murder, attempted murder and other offenses after allegedly killing his three-year-old stepson and injuring his nine-year-old nephew in a domestic dispute.
Read more »
Suspects to Appear in Court for Killing of Police ConstableTwo suspects will face charges in court for the murder of police constable Callan Andrews, who was shot and killed during a robbery.
Read more »
Police clerk to appear in court for petrol theft from a vehicle submitted as evidenceThe clerk has been allegedly linked to petrol theft from a vehicle that was handed in as an exhibit at the Grootvlei police station in November 2022.
Read more »