Child Abduction Charges & Legal Proceedings

Grace Gumbo (26) and Mercy Tsoko (28) face their second court appearance at Kriel’s Magistrate’s Court, accused of child abduction and violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.

The charges stem from an incident on December 28, 2023, involving the abduction of a four-month-old baby girl in Thubelihle, Kriel.

Arrest and Discovery of Abducted Children

The suspects were apprehended on New Year’s Day, posing as caregivers with three abducted children in Ogies. Among the captives were two baby girls and a baby boy.

Notably, the Kriel police uncovered not just the abducted four-month-old but also a three-year-old boy, allegedly taken in April 2023 from Marble Hall, and an eight-month-old girl, reportedly abducted from Springs in September 2023.

Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations

Charged with abduction and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act, the suspects faced court on January 2, 2024, with further investigation leading to a postponement, keeping the suspects in custody. Police hint at the possibility of additional charges as the inquiry progresses.

Seeking Help for Identification

Kriel SAPS urges the community’s assistance in identifying the families of the two other abducted children. Contact information for relevant authorities is provided for anyone with confidential information regarding the case.

Commendation and Encouragement from SAPS

Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, commends the public for alerting the police and praises the swift response that led to the suspects’ arrest.

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