Seven people have been sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison for the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and extortion in Kriel, Mpumalanga.
The group abducted the child in July 2024 and demanded a R200 000 ransom from her mother, threatening to kill her if the money was not paid.
The mother made several payments before authorities were able to trace some of the suspects.
The child was later found unharmed in an informal settlement in Vosloorus.
Hawks provincial spokesperson Magonseni Nkosi has welcomed the outcome.
“The Hawks in Mpumalanga has commended the swift and coordinated response by members across various police deployments, for their collective efforts in assuring justice for a 13-year-old kidnapping victim, her family and broader community,” said Nkosi.
Authorities say the case highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling serious crime.
