By Everson Luhanga
- Ntobeko Xaba went missing on 22 August. His mother later received a ransom call demanding R50,000 for his safe return.
- Police arrested the main suspect in Umzimkhulu on charges of kidnapping and extortion.
Five-year-old Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba is still missing, but police have confirmed a breakthrough in the case.
On Thursday, officers from the Durban Metro Police Tracing Unit, together with the South African Police Service detectives, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, and Crime Intelligence, arrested the main suspect in Umzimkhulu. He faces charges of kidnapping and extortion.
Ntobeko disappeared on Friday, 22 August. The Grade R pupil was last seen outside his home in Umlazi’s Q Section wearing a yellow track top and navy shorts.
Witnesses told the family he was with a neighbour before both disappeared. The woman has not been found and is suspected of being involved.
That evening, Ntobeko’s mother received a phone call. An unknown man demanded R50,000 for the child’s safe return.
During their investigation, police found evidence suggesting the boy may have been harmed. Search and Rescue teams have been deployed to search the identified area, while more operations are planned to track additional suspects linked to kidnapping networks.
Reaction Unit South Africa has joined the search and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information can call Reaction Unit South Africa on 086 1234 333.
Pictured above: Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba.
Image source: File
