Image via Facebook: Queens High School
Image via Facebook: Queens High School
A Gauteng high school pupil who was allegedly ‘kidnapped’ outside the school premises has been found.
The pupil was abducted while waiting for transport at the Queen’s High School gate on Monday afternoon and his kidnappers are alleged to have demanded a R5 million ransom in order to secure his safe return.
He was on his way to the Maponya Mall in Soweto when he went missing.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said that the boy was found at Maponya Mall.
“It is alleged that a ransom of about R5m had been demanded for his release,” he said
Still dressed in his school uniform, the grade 8 student hugged family members when he was brought to them from the offices inside the mall.
Contradictory reports
A family member said that the kidnappers had asked for R500 000, contrary to official reports that a R5 million ransom was demanded.
They say they were in contact with the kidnappers, with EWN reporting that the boy’s uncle said that they had made contact on Monday.
“They called his father and said: ‘We took your son and we want a R500,000 ransom for him’. He asked to talk to his son and then they ended the call.”
The family said that they are relieved that he is not harmed.
This is the latest in a series of incidents involving Gauteng schools, which have been plagued by violence and misconduct.
Another Gauteng pupil missing
In another incident, a 15-year-old grade eight pupil from Lantern School for learners with special needs, has gone missing.
This is a developing story.
