A family of seven was saved by the police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) before their vehicle could be smuggled into Mozambique.
According to Mpumalanga police, the family was allegedly kidnapped from their residence in KaMaqhekeza in Mpumalanga and forced into the family vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner.
“An elderly woman was taking six of her family members, two teenage boys, two teenage girls and two toddlers to their grandparents’ place,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
“Before the family could leave, four armed suspects are said to have forced them into their family vehicle … and then driven … towards the (Lebombo) border by their assailants who worked on the vehicle in what is believed to be disconnecting the tracking device,” he said.
Mohlala added that the woman’s husband became suspicious when his wife did not return home as expected. He said after attempts to get in touch with her failed, he immediately reported the matter to the police, who also activated the army.
The team jointly managed to rescue the victims and the vehicle was recovered in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
“The suspects somehow escaped and evaded the arrest when they noticed the law enforcers,” he said.
Mohlala said other vehicles were also recovered at various locations along the borderline.
“The cars recovered included a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie which was reported stolen at KaMhlushwa as well as a Toyota GD-6 double cab bakkie which was reported stolen in Garsfontein, Gauteng,” added Mohlala.
Police have since urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to reach out to them.
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