Police in KZN are intensifying their search for kidnapped Grade 12 Raisethorpe Secondary learner Abdul Mateen Khalid after a dramatic turn of events in the last 72 hours that saw the arrest of three suspects: A Midlands SAPS clerk and two others.

Two of the three suspects are expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the kidnapping.

It is believed that one of them confessed to being hired to kidnap the teenager.

The third suspect has apparently been released.

The kidnap

Family and friends have been praying for the safe return of 17-year-old Abdul, who was kidnapped at gunpoint near Brixham Road in Orient Heights, Pietermaritzburg, on May 22 by three men posing as police officers.

Shortly after the teen’s kidnap, the family received messages from the kidnappers demanding a multi-million rand ransom.

The family was given proof-of-life footage showing Abdul being held by one of the kidnappers.

Intensive crime intelligence-driven operation

An intensive crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in the police making several significant breakthroughs to identify some of the vehicles used in the kidnapping.

Two vehicles were identified; one was a white VW Polo. Police established that the cars were using cloned registration plates, and with help from Mi7’s camera surveillance system, the cars were identified and tracked.

While police continued with hostage negotiations, crime intelligence honed in on some of the suspects.

A sting operation was launched with the police special task force, and three suspects were arrested at a city shopping centre.

According to a high-level source, the suspects were arrested and questioned, resulting in detectives obtaining crucial information pertaining to the whereabouts of the kidnapped teen.

It is believed the teen was being held in a small town outside Pietermaritzburg.

A second operation was launched to rescue Abdul, but when heavily armed police stormed the building, it had already been vacated by the remaining kidnappers.

Yesterday, police continued to question the suspects, who had secured legal representation.

One of the suspects allegedly indicated he wished to make a confession, and the standby weekend magistrate took it down.

Although unconfirmed, it is believed the second suspect is employed at Msunduzi Municipality.

Raisethorpe Secondary School principal

Raisethorpe Secondary School principal Pragalathan Gounden said the entire school community is distraught over the incident.

“We’ve had special school assemblies praying for his safe return. Abdul’s classmates have placed pictures of him throughout the school property to show their love and solidarity with their friend. We pray the boy is safely returned to his family.”

Abdul’s family declined to comment to The Witness.

KZN police spokesperson Warrant Officer Panchael Julius Singh said he could not comment yesterday but would do so today.