Two cousins who were kidnapped in Brits earlier this month have been safely reunited with their families after being found in a house in Winterveldt, Tshwane.

Bataviya Mohammed (19) and a minor family member were taken in a brazen kidnapping near a primary school in Brits on March 6.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone says the cousins were found on Monday evening in a house at New Stands, Klipgat, near Winterveldt and Mabopane.

The victims were examined by paramedics at Klipgat Police Station and found to be in good health, except for exhaustion and trauma.

“They were safely reunited with their families without any visible injuries,” says Mokgwabone.

Six suspects have been arrested.

“A seventh suspect, Humphrey Martin (48), was arrested in the early hours of March 8 at Naturena in Johannesburg.”

Martin appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on March 11, 18 and 25. He is expected to again appear in court on April 8, for a formal bail application.

The kidnapping

According to Mokgwabone, on March 6, the kidnappers bumped into the front of the victims’ car with a maroon Audi A3, forcing the car to stop.

It’s alleged that two armed men got out of a white Volkswagen Polo GTI and ordered the cousins to get into it.

“The driver of the Audi got into a Toyota Hilux, allegedly driven by Martin. The suspects then fled the crime scene with the victims.”

The victims’ Mercedes-Benz and the Audi were found at the crime scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the Audi was reportedly stolen in Garsfontein in March.

The kidnappers are expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon, facing two counts of kidnapping and extortion.

SAPS Lieutenant General Sello Kwena expressed his gratitude to the multi-disciplinary team for their relentless efforts that led to finding the victims and arresting the suspects.