A group of men, who allegedly abducted Abirah Dekhta in Athlone, has been charged with kidnapping and extortion.
The seven accused appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The State alleges that on the morning of the fourth of November, two vehicles blocked a scholar transport vehicle that was collecting learners in the Athlone area.
Five men got out of those vehicles, snatched the eight-year-old girl, and fled with her.
On Monday, police were tipped-off that the young girl was being kept in a shack in Town Two, Khayelitsha.
Upon the police’s arrival there, they spotted three men patrolling the identified house.
The trio — along with four others who were found inside the house — were taken in for questioning, when officers found the little girl.
They were later charged.
Two women – who were also arrested in connection with this case – have since been released from custody as the cops could not link them to the crime
According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Eric Ntabazalila, the accused remain behind bars for now.
“On 7 December 2022, the accused will return to court to apply for bail. The State will oppose the application.”
Abirah was reunited with her family on Monday, almost two weeks after she was snatched.
Image: Supplied
