Kidnapping: Almost 10 days later, still no sign of Moti brothers

Police said on Friday there are no new developments yet in the sensitive, high-profile kidnapping case of the four Moti brothers. 

THE PARENTS OF THE BOYS HAVE BEEN LIVING A NIGHTMARE SINCE THE KIDNAPPING

The boys – Zidan, Zayyad, Alaan, and Zia Moti – all aged between 6 -15, were kidnapped on their way to school in Polokwane at approximately 07:00 on Wednesday, 20 October 2021. Seven men with R5 rifles and handguns cornered their vehicle and forcefully removed them.

Police Minister Bheki Cele earlier this week said there was a multi-approach team which includes the Social Development Department and others, roped in to deal with the Moti brothers’ kidnapping case.

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“It’s a difficult case, but no doubt we have made progress. There are follow-ups on matters. Up to this point, we are hopeful that the police will crack the case,” he said.

While SAPS has maintained there is nothing that suggests the motive being ransom, the family’s lawyer Philip Smit disagrees. 

The South African recently reported that the boys’ parents, Nazim and Shakira Moti, have been living a nightmare since the incident. Nazim, their father, is a businessman who owns a car dealership in Polokwane. 

For now, the family isn’t sharing any news pertaining to the case with the media for fear of endangering the boys’ lives. This is something that child welfare expert Dr Shaheda Omar from The Teddy Bear Clinic had also voiced concern over.

“The less publicity, the less exposure or discussion or interviews conducted around this whole issue and progress would certainly be the best thing for the children because right now the focus should be on how best to protect these children. 

“The risks are far greater at the moment, and we are aware that family are not talking and rightfully so, for various reasons, not only to protect their children,” Dr. Omar told The South African.

Meanwhile, prayer sessions have been held for the safe return of the brothers across South Africa. 

Police have called anyone with information relevant to the kidnapping case to contact them on the 24-hour Crime Stop number 086-001-0111.