Moti family brothers kidnapping

The Moti brothers are just one of the kidnappings that have taken place in South Africa in recent weeks. Photo: Twitter / @Abramjee

Moti brothers: Reports of R50m ransom emerge, Amnesty International asks for transparency

‘The people of SA have a right to know what is going on,’ said Amnesty International about the spate of kidnappings in the country.

Moti family brothers kidnapping

The Moti brothers are just one of the kidnappings that have taken place in South Africa in recent weeks. Photo: Twitter / @Abramjee

Amnesty International said the increasing reports of children being kidnapped in South Africa is disturbing. The human rights group said it is relieved that the Moti brothers returned home safe, however, it is concerned about the lack of transparency from authorities about the issue.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY

Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said it is extremely disturbing that children are targets of kidnapping.

This comes after reports of an alleged kidnapping of a primary school learner from Mayfair, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 17 November, a week after the four Moti brothers were returned to their family.

READ: Latest information available on the Mayfair kidnapping

“While we are relieved that the four Moti brothers, who were abducted in October, have been returned to their family, there has been very little information on what happened and what led to the children being released,” said Mohamed.

A News24 report claims that the Moti family paid a R50 million ransom for the children’s safe return. The public said this information was obtained from three sources with intimate knowledge of the case.

A source from the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly told the outlet that a dead drop was used to hand over the money.

A family spokesperson, Keshia Patchiappen, denied the ransom claims. “The Moti family would like to clarify that no ransom was paid. SAPS was integral to the safe return of our boys, and we are very grateful for their dedication in this regard.”

BROTHERS RETURN HOME AFTER 3 WEEK ORDEAL

SAPS National spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo released a statement on Thursday, 11 November, which detailed how the Moti brothers – Zidan, Zayyad, Alaan, and Zia – were dropped off in Vuwani late on 10 November, three weeks after they were kidnapped at gunpoint en route to school in Polokwane.

“Police arranged a doctor who confirmed that the children are in good health before they were handed over to their parents. The children also appeared to be in high spirits during the reunion with their parents,” said Naidoo.

He furthered that the investigation into the kidnapping was ongoing and the details about what transpired have remained scant since.

“We understand that authorities cannot give details while they are tracking the perpetrators, but they can reveal the truth in bringing forth justice. The people of South Africa have a right to know what is going on,” said the Amnesty International SA director.

Mohamed added that that the police must be open and transparent about the issue and reveal who they believe are behind the spate of abductions and explain what they are doing to prevent further kidnappings.

“The authorities must get to the bottom of the kidnappings and bring those involved to justice.”