Two Grade 10 Pupils Kidnapped in Pretoria Return Home Safe, Another Grade 8 Learner Still Missing

Two Grade 10 girl learners who were allegedly kidnapped have returned home in Pretoria.

The girls aged 15 and 16 from Hoërskool Straatpresident C R Swart in Waverley, Pretoria were allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday and returned home on Wednesday. 

The incident occurred after school in Mamelodi East when one of the girl learners visited the other and accompanied her to the local clinic.

As they made their way to the clinic, two unknown men driving a Mini Cooper approached them, allegedly forced them into the vehicle and coerced them into taking drugs.

Once the girls were in a disoriented state after taking drugs, the men drove with them to their homes and demanded that they steal laptops and cellphones 

The department’s Steve Mabona said the men drove the girls to a mall, where they managed to escape. 

“Due to the deranged state they were in, and not knowing where they were, the girls ended up sleeping in a secluded area in the outskirts of the township. Subsequently, the girls sobered up the following morning and were assisted by residents in the area to find their way home. “ 

The matter was reported to the police for further investigation.

Mabona said Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the safe return of the two  girls who are scheduled to undergo psychological and medical examination to treat any possible trauma or harm caused during this incident.

At the same time Mabona said another Grade 8 girl learner from Hoërskool Straatpresident C R Swart has also allegedly gone missing for the past two weeks.

“It is alleged that the learner went missing two weeks ago on Wednesday, 3 November 2021. This was reported by her mother who was contacted by the school on Monday, 8 November 2021 asking about the learner’s absenteeism. The mother informed the school that her daughter allegedly left saying she will be visiting a friend and has never returned home since.” 

Police are investigating the matter.