Johannesburg – Police have launched a manhunt for six men who kidnapped four children from the TLC children’s home in Eikenhof, in Johannesburg south, Gauteng police said.
Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said the men hijacked an ambulance on Wednesday, before kidnapping the children.
“The six males called an ambulance claiming that a woman was in labour and needed to be transported to the nearest hospital. When the paramedics arrived, they were robbed and hijacked by the six suspects," Makhubula said.
According to Makhubula, the robbers held the driver at gunpoint, demanding his uniform and seizing the vehicle.
“The suspects drove to the children’s home where they demanded entry to the premises. Upon entering the children’s home, they saw four boys whom they threatened at gunpoint, demanding they tell them (the robbers) where the money is.”
Makhubela said the men took the four children and drove away in the ambulance. He said police on patrol in the area tried to stop the ambulance when they noticed it was moving in “unusual manner”.
The suspects opened fire on police who managed to overpower them and rescue the four children and the paramedics. The men fled the scene.
“No one was injured, and the ambulance was taken to [the South African Police Services] SAPS for further investigations.”
Spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services, Robert Mulaudzi said the paramedics were taken to Mulbarton Clinic for further medical care, and later discharged.
A case of attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery has been opened.
Makhubela urged the community to help apprehend the suspects.
“The suspects are people who reside within the community. We urge members of the community to help us catch the suspects as tomorrow they could be the victims,” he said.
African News Agency