Tebogo Msimanga |
Three suspects aged between 24 and 30 were arrested on Thursday, 29 June 2023, for kidnapping and contravening Custom Initiation Act.
Colonel Amanda Funani of North West Police said according to information received, the suspects were arrested after parents reported missing children at Mahikeng and Lehurutshe Police Stations. “Investigations led the police to an illegal initiation school near or 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.”
Colonel Funani added that after recruiting these young boys, these men 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”.
Bongani Moatlhodi(24), who was arrested at Lonely Park by Lehurutshe Police appeared at Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court today in connection with kidnapping of a 16-year-old boy. The other two suspects, aged 26 and 30, are expected to appear in the
Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho on Monday, 3 July 2023, for first court appearance.
