Dylan Bettencourt
The police investigation into the kidnapping of the four Moti brothers in October last year, has hit a brick wall – and this time it appears to be the end of the road. It is understood that the family has relocated to Dubai.
This comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the father of the brothers stopped the police from speaking to the children.
“When the boys were found the police had to take them to an institution where they were to be examined to see if they were mentally and physically healthy,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
“But suddenly we were interdicted by the father and prevented from going anywhere near the children. We can’t interview them or any member of the family.”
Sources close to the Moti family argued that the children suffered severe trauma following the kidnapping and being questioned by the police would only make matters worse.
Reports suggest the case of the kidnapping was received on ex-parte conditions, meaning that the police were not present when the case was handed out and the police had no opportunity to oppose it, according to eNCA.
The court order was set as an interim case with a date in the future set for the local police to make their submissions but indications suggest this case may have to come to a standstill.
“Without the statements of the victims and without the buy-in and support of the family we couldn’t do anything. We have heard the family has now moved to Dubai,” Netshiunda said.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the case is now being regarded as noncooperation, rather than obstruction of justice. He added that the police may have to adjust their tactics in future.
The four brothers were kidnapped on 20 October whilst on their way to school and were back home on 11 November after being dropped off by their kidnappers.
Reports indicated that a R50 million ransom was paid for the safe return of the children, a claim the Moti family denied.
