JOHANNESBURG, November 17 (ANA) – Police have launched a manhunt for six men who kidnapped four children from the TLC children’s home in Eikenhof, in Johannesburg south, Gauteng police said.
Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said that no arrests were made after the men hijacked an ambulance on Wednesday, before kidnapping the children.
“The six males called an ambulance and lied to paramedics that a woman was in labour pains and needed to be transported to the nearest hospital. When the paramedics arrived, they were robbed and hijacked by the six suspects. The men pointed the driver with a gun and demanded his uniform and control of the vehicle,” Makhubela said.
“The suspects drove to the children’s home where they, at gunpoint, demanded entry to the premises. Upon entering the children’s home, they saw four boys whom they pointed with a gun and demanded they tell them where the money is. They further asked the children if there was anyone armed at the premise.”
Makhubela said the men took the four children and drove away. He said the police tried to stop the ambulance when they noticed it was moving in “unusual manner”.
Upon being confronted with the police vehicle, the suspects shot at the police, police however, rescued the four children and the paramedics. The men fled the scene.
“No one was injured, and the ambulance was taken to [the South African Police Services] SAPS for further investigations.”
Spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services Robert Mulaudzi said the paramedics were taken to Mulbarton Clinic for further medical care, and later discharged to recover at home.
A case of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery has been opened.
Makhubela urged the community to help catch the suspects.
“The suspects are people who resides within the community. We urge members of the community to help us catch the suspects as tomorrow they could be the victims” he said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
