Nine-Year-Old Boy Rescued After Five-Day Kidnapping Ordeal in Laudium

In a successful operation involving both police and private security forces, a nine-year-old boy, Noyon was safely rescued after being held captive for five days. The boy, whose parents are originally from Afghanistan, was abducted from the home of his father’s friend in Mendhi Street Laudium on Sunday, 19 January 2025.

The suspects, who are nationals of Pakistan and Afghanistan aged between 24 and 37, initially demanded a ransom from the boy’s parents. A joint task force was quickly formed, consisting of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and various private security companies, to locate and free the boy.

The breakthrough came on Friday, 24 January, when investigators identified the vehicle used in the abduction and arrested two of the suspects. These individuals led the team to a property in Danville, Pretoria, where the boy was found. During the operation, two more suspects were arrested, and the authorities discovered an unlicensed firearm in their possession.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects were in the country illegally, prompting additional charges. A fifth individual, a person known to the family, was also arrested in connection with the crime.

Following the rescue, the boy was taken to a medical facility for a check-up and was later reunited with his family.

The five suspects have been charged with kidnapping and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They are expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate Court on Monday, 27 January 2025.

This swift and coordinated effort has been hailed as a success by law enforcement, with the boy’s safe return bringing relief to the family and the community.

⬛ UNITS INVOLVED:

▪SAPS DNC CRIME DETECTION TASK TEAM

▪ SAPS LAUDIUM DETECTIVES

▪ SAPS HNT

▪SAPS PIU

▪ SAPS CRIME INTELLIGENCE GAUTENG

▪ SAPS HIGHWAY PATROL

HP145

HP496

▪ SAPS ANTI KIDNAPPING UNIT

▪ SAPS NATIONAL CI COUNTER & SECURITY INTELLIGENCE

▪ VISION TACTICAL