News24 | Boy, 7, found unharmed after kidnapping ordeal in Eastern Cape

A 7-year-old boy who was kidnapped in full view of his family in Qonce in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday night was found unharmed in Mdantsane during the early hours of Friday morning.

A 7-year-old boy who was kidnapped in full view of his family in Qonce in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday night was found unharmed in Mdantsane during the early hours of Friday morning.

Hawks’ Eastern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba confirmed the little boy was discovered “walking alone” by SAPS Flying Squad at Mdantsane’s N.U.2 area, about 55km from his Quzini Village home.

“He was safely reunited with his family after a medical check-up confirmed he had not been harmed. No ransom was paid,” Fumba said.

The boy was kidnapped by four armed men while sleeping next to his grandmother.

READ | Eastern Cape family traumatised after boy, 7, kidnapped

The kidnappers initially wanted the keys to the car belonging to the boy’s mother, who was not home at the time of the incident. According to the Hawks, the suspects also took a plasma television during the abduction ordeal.

On Wednesday, the family said a man called them from a private number demanding a ransom for the boy’s release.

On Friday, the family confirmed the boy was reunited with the family.

“We are very grateful he was not harmed. This was our prayer ever since the incident happened,” said a family member.

Fumba said no one has been arrested for the incident.

“An investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensifying to trace those responsible. The public is urged to share any credible information. We also strongly advise the perpetrators to surrender while they still have the chance to do so,” he added.