PRETORIA � Five suspects have been apprehended around Brixton and Mayfair areas in Johannesburg today after they reportedly kidnapped three teenagers of Ethiopian origin over the weekend.

The three teenagers were allegedly smuggled into the country and kept in Gauteng. Their parents who are based in North West were then reportedly contacted with ransom demands of R50 000 per child for their release.

The Hawks’ team traced and arrested the five suspects who are also Ethiopian nationals on Thursday afternoon.

The group is expected to be charged for human-trafficking, kidnapping and extortion, whilst additional charges have not been ruled out pending their court appearance.

The teenagers have been rescued and taken to a place of safety as investigations continue.

Source: South African Police Service