Seven suspects were sentenced to prison after abducting a 13-year-old girl in Kriel and demanding ransom money from her mother, reports Middelburg Observer.

It follows a successful joint investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Middelburg, Witbank Crime Intelligence, Kriel SAPS and the Gauteng Flying Squad.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, four women and three men were each sentenced to four years’ direct imprisonment on Wednesday. This brings the combined sentence to 28 years behind bars.

“They executed a detailed, well-orchestrated kidnapping,” said Nkosi.

Fearing for her daughter’s life, the mother made several deposits on four occasions while the teenager was being held.

A breakthrough came when two of the suspects were arrested at a shopping centre in Vereeniging while attempting to withdraw one of the ransom payments. Authorities found R9 000 in cash and the vehicle believed to have been used during the kidnapping of the young girl.

Further investigation led officers to an informal settlement in Vosloorus, where the teenager was found unharmed inside a shack.

The accused were identified as Nelisiwe Mkhwanazi (33), Caleb Sebatane (25), siblings Dineo Zondo (44) and Dumisani Zondo (34), Thabang Mndebele (47), Patricia Mkhize (44) and Emelda Nkosi (40).

All seven appeared in court on  July 23, 2024, where bail was denied.

They remained in custody until they were found guilty on Tuesday, before being sentenced on Wednesday.

The girl was safely reunited with her family following her rescue.

Provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the outcome and commended those involved in bringing the matter to court.

“Their unwavering commitment, swift action and collective efforts, ensured justice for the kidnapping victim, her family and community,” said Gerber.

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