A Gqeberha woman who allegedly assisted in the kidnapping of an 18-year-old boy was arrested on Monday after the teen was released by his kidnappers after hostage negotiations.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said it was alleged the 44-year-old woman had gone to her boyfriend’s home on Sunday and called the teen to the white VW Golf 7 GTI she was driving at the time.
The teen allegedly climbed into the vehicle and the pair drove to an unknown location.
“The matter was reported to the nearest police station for investigation,” Mhlakuvana said.
The teen was released hours after his abduction after negotiations by members of the Gqeberha-based serious organised crime investigation team of the Hawks, crime intelligence, Bethelsdorp detectives and Gqeberha hostage negotiators.
“On [Monday] a preliminary intelligence-driven investigation led to the arrest of the suspect.
“Further investigation showed that the suspect allegedly conceded handing the victim over to acquaintances.
“Furthermore, the reports divulged that the victim was kept for a few hours.
“Due to pressure on the kidnappers by the team, the victim was later released,” Mhlakuvana said.
The VW Golf 7 GTI which was used during the alleged kidnapping was confiscated.
The woman is expected to make her first court appearance at the Gelvandale Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday .
She faces a charge of kidnapping.
HeraldLIVE