Photo: Twitter / Pig Spotters
Photo: Twitter / Pig Spotters
It’s a case that cut to the very core of each well-minded South African, turning a few heads abroad too. When Amy-Lee de Jager was bundled into to the back of a Toyota Fortuna on Monday 3 September, already-exhausted South Africans slumped in despair – But the six-year-old was returned to her family just 48 hours later.
CCTV footage sparked the suspicion that at least one of the kidnappers was known to the young girl as she appeared very calm when entering the vehicle. A ransom demand of R2 million was made for Amy-Lee’s safe return, but as the case gained international attention, the conspirators agreed to safely return the young child.
Amy-Lee de Jager – latest news:
The FCS Unit continued with the investigations and arrested the three suspects, one of whom is known to the parents of Amy-Lee. The trio are currently in police custody and are expected to appear in Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court next week – as confirmed by SAPS earlier:
#sapsHQ The three suspects arrested for allegedly kidnapping 6-year-old Amy Lee De Jager will be appearing in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Monday, 09 September 2019. NP pic.twitter.com/cyx8WSp407
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) September 5, 2019
But, as we’re about to explain, this is a case that will prove to be stranger than fiction…
Amy-Lee de Jager kidnapping – details of the case so far:
Teacher suspended after her involvement was revealed
It was established on Thursday evening that the suspect with a connection to the de Jager family is a teacher at Amy-Lee’s school. Although the educator – who cannot be named until Monday’s appearance in court – is allegedly a close friend with the mother, it is understood the suspect wasn’t teaching the kidnap victim.
Details on the other conspirators
We also know that a 40-year-old woman and 50-year-old man are set to appear in the Vanderbijlpark dock on Monday alongside the Grade RR teacher. These three have been pinned as the “criminal masterminds” behind the snatching. Four men conducted the kidnapping itself, but they are yet to be identified.
Possible motivations
Money, and lots of it. Amy-Lee de Jager’s father is a successful powerboating champion, and the family are said to have some sizeable savings in the bank. The ransom demand issued for the safe return of the child stood at R2 million, but they soon backed down on their plans after they made international headlines.
Druglord connections suggested
It’s important to note that this claim is unverified as it stands, but the teacher involved in the kidnapping has been accused of needing money to repay “druglords”. This was reported by News24, who claim two separate sources have suggested the suspect was in deep with the wrong crowd.
Amy-Lee de Jager – the details of an incriminating voicenote
The teacher has also been identified as the alleged “chief mastermind” behind the operation. That’s according to a voicenote obtained by IOL, who report that the educator’s father told them his daughter planned it all. All three suspects also had their bags packed ready to flee town before being arrested on Thursday.
