Manhunt continues for kidnappers and Brits teenagers

A major police search continues for two teenagers from Brits and their kidnappers.

Zahraa (17) and Bataviya Mohammed (19) were kidnapped by three masked and heavily armed men in front of a primary school in Brits early on Wednesday morning last week. The teenagers have now been missing for more than a week.

The police previously said Brits Police had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. According to police spokesperson Colonel Amanda Funani, the cousins were driving a white Mercedes-Benz from Bataviya’s home on their way to a school in Hartbeespoort when they were rammed by a red Audi A3, forcing them to stop.

“Allegedly, two armed men got out of the Audi A3 and ordered the cousins to get into a white Volkswagen Polo GTI that was driving behind the Audi A3. The suspects also got into the VW Polo GTI and fled the scene with the victims. The victims’ Mercedes-Benz and the Audi A3 were found at the scene,” Funani said.

According to an eyewitness on the scene, the driver of the Audi A3 ran away from the scene while the other two sped off with the victims.

The police did not reveal any additional information over the past week, saying that it is a sensitive matter and no further comment is available.

Police request anyone who may have information that can assist in the investigation to contact the station commander of Brits, Brigadier Ellen Emmanuel, on 082 449 7447.