Police saves kidnapped 8-year-old boy in high-speed chase

Rustenburg – In a heart-stopping sequence of events, a multi-disciplinary team, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT) from Bojanala Sub-District 2 unit, Crime Intelligence, Cyber Crime, Phokeng Detectives, the West Rand Visible Policing and Rural Safety Units, and PVT Security Company, raced against time to rescue an 8-year-old boy who had been kidnapped.

Colonel Adéle Myburgh reports that on the afternoon of Monday 20 May 2024, terror struck a tavern in Freedom Park, Phase 1, Phokeng, near Rustenburg. Six suspects stormed the establishment, overpowering a man and woman.

The assailants, using firearms, tied up their victims with cable ties, robbing them of cash and cellphones before fleeing. In the aftermath, a chilling discovery was made: an eight-year-old boy, who had been innocently watching television, was missing. The suspects had kidnapped the child, demanding a ransom for his release.

The situation was dire, but the resolve of the multi-disciplinary team never wavered.
Their initial investigations revealed the boy was being transported to Soweto. The team, assisted by West Rand Police and PVT Security Company, launched a high-speed pursuit in Krugersdorp.

The chase culminated in the interception of a white Volkswagen Polo. Inside, the terrified but unharmed boy was found, along with the stolen cellphones. Three suspects were apprehended on the spot. The relentless pursuit of justice led to the capture of a fourth suspect two hours later in Freedom Park, Phokeng.

The suspects, Prince Komanisi (31), Ishmael James Saka (27), Prosperous Mthunzi Skhosana (42), and Thabang Jalvane (33), appeared before the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Wednesday 22 May 2024. They faced charges of kidnapping, extortion, and business robbery. Their next court appearance for a bail application was scheduled for Monday 27 May 2024.

The provincial police commissioner, lieutenant general Sello Kwena, expressed his profound gratitude to all the officers and partners involved.