Police have arrested five suspects in Brixton and Mayfair in Johannesburg in connection with the kidnapping of three teenagers of Ethiopian origin.
The teenagers were allegedly kidnapped over the weekend when they were brought into South Africa.
The Hawks’ team traced and arrested the five suspects who are also Ethiopian nationals on Thursday.
The suspects are expected to be charged with human-trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.
The teenagers have been taken to a place of safety as investigations continue.
Hawks Spokesperson, Lloyd Ramovha says the three teenagers were allegedly smuggled into the country and kept in Gauteng. “Their parents who are based in North West were then reportedly contacted with ransom demands of R50 000 per child for their release. The Hawks’ team traced and arrested the five suspects who are Ethiopian nationals.”
