THE Pinetown Boys High School learner who was allegedly kidnapped on his way to school on Friday morning (May 22), was reportedly found that day at about 19.30.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the police are now “hot on the heels of the suspects” behind the incident.

“Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for suspects who kidnapped a 19-year-old learner on Friday, 22 May, 2026. The learner was on his way from KwaNyuswa to a school in Pinetown when he was kidnapped.

“The boy was released unharmed at a filling station at Otto Volek on Friday evening. Reports suggest that the kidnappers used his phone to demand ransom,” said Netshiunda.

He added that the police have launched an investigation into the incident and that “the tracking and tracing teams are hot on the heels of the suspects”.

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This was a second incident of a kidnapping of a pupil from the school.

Late last month the school was prompted to beef up its security measures following the traumatic kidnapping of another learner.

The police confirmed then that that learner was released ‘unharmed’ on the same day (April 24) of the kidnapping.

According to the police, that learner had been standing outside the school when unknown men forced him into their car.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed at the time that the learner was released after a ransom was paid.

It was reported that the learner was released that evening at about 19:00, with no visible injuries, but was left severely traumatised, along with members of his family.

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