The lawyer for the family of the four children that were kidnapped in Polokwane on Wednesday believes that the motive for the incident is to extort money.
The brothers, aged between six and 15, were taken at gunpoint by unknown men while on their way to school.
According to the family lawyer Philip Smit, the parents of the children are well-known business people Nazim and Shakira Moti.
“Yes, they are well-known business people from Polokwane. I have spoken with them obviously, [they are] immense [in] shock with regard to this thing that has occurred. A feeling of helplessness is a good description I think.”
“The oldest one is 15-years-old and the youngest is 6-years-old. We believe that there is a ransom claim that lies ahead in this matter. I think it is a good basis to suspect that [to] be the reason [for the kidnapping],” explains Smit.
Police launch manhunt following the kidnapping of four children outside Polokwane:
Meanwhile, Social Development MEC, Nkakareng Rakgoale, has described the kidnapping of the children as worrying. Rakgaole says the incident has put the spotlight on the safety of children.
“Our team of social workers will this morning visit the family of abducted children for them to start with the psychosocial support. As a department, we are worried about what happened. The [incident] once again put the safety of children in the spotlight,” says the MEC.
Community in shock
The Nirvana community is still in shock after the kidnapping of the four children. The incident has shocked the communities in and around Polokwane.
The driver was left unharmed.
Police say the search for the Moti children is still continuing.
