Seven accused have been sentenced to a combined 28 years’ direct imprisonment for the kidnapping and extortion of a 13-year-old girl in Kriel, Mpumalanga. According to a media statement issued by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on 1 April 2026, each of the seven accused received four years’ direct imprisonment following their conviction on 31 March 2026.
The case stems from an incident on 22 July 2024, when the group carried out a coordinated kidnapping. The primary perpetrators abducted the teenager and transported her in a white Toyota Starlet with Gauteng registration plates. Three additional suspects later joined the operation, where they actively participated in extorting money from the victim’s mother. The group demanded a ransom of R200 000 and threatened to kill the child if their demands were not met. The victim’s mother made several payments, depositing money on four separate occasions.
A multi-disciplinary investigation involving the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Middelburg, Witbank Crime Intelligence, Kriel SAPS, and the Gauteng Flying Squad led to key breakthroughs. Two suspects were arrested at a shopping mall in Vereeniging while attempting to withdraw funds and were found in possession of R9 000, believed to be proceeds of the crime. Further investigations led authorities to an informal settlement in Vosloorus, where the victim was found unharmed. Additional suspects were located at the scene and arrested, while the remaining individuals were later apprehended in Kriel.
All seven accused appeared in court on 23 July 2024, where bail was denied. They remained in custody until their conviction and subsequent sentencing. The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the judiciary in securing justice for the victim and her family.
Information supplied by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga.