Mayfair school kidnapping: Here’s what we know about the suspects so far

A Grade 5 pupil was kidnapped during a shocking incident outside of a Johannesburg Primary School on Monday. A collective of armed crooks forced an 11-year-old girl into their car, speeding off with the child in a flash. As details continue to reach us on Wednesday, we’re starting to learn more about the Mayfair suspects.

Mayfair school kidnapping: Who are the suspects?

At this early point of the investigation, information remains sketchy. But thanks to various contributions from the provincial Education Department, local councillors, and first responders, we’ve been able to put a brief fact file together on the alleged perpetrators. Here’s what we know about the unidentified criminals so far:

• They are all males.
• There are at least three suspects in total, according to the Gauteng Education Department.
• The group struck at exactly 7:11 on Wednesday morning, outside the E.P. Baumann Primary School.
• The men have been classified as ‘armed and dangerous’, and took the girl at gunpoint.
• It’s understood the trio were in possession of AK47 rifles.
• Local Councillor Rickey Nair told the media that the kidnappers knew their target, and ‘called the girl by her name’.
• Their getaway vehicle has been described as a silver/white Toyota Yaris.
• We also have a number plate description – the suspects’ license reads: JS 62 CS GP.

More children snatched, as crooks run riot

As the hunt for the missing Mayfair girl continues, the case comes just days after the Moti brothers were returned home. Four children from the same family in Limpopo had also been kidnapped, and were detained for three weeks before being discovered. Now, another set of relatives and loved ones are facing a similar ordeal.

Kidnappings have been on the rise across South Africa in 2021, with the lure of ransoms and financial gains proving too hard to resist for some lowlife criminals. Police are now seeking witnesses to help find the Grade 5 pupil.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: Gauteng Education MEC @Lesufi is deeply concerned about the alleged kidnapping of an 11 year old Grade 5 girl learner at E. P. Baumann Primary School in Mayfair, Johannesburg this morning on Wednesday, 17 November 2021 at approximately 07:11 AM. @Steve_Mabona pic.twitter.com/rnGL9oLGVm

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 17, 2021