Manhunt for principal’s kidnappers continues!

Free State police have recovered the principal’s bakkie after it was abandoned in Welkom. Photo by Shawn Wilson

POLICE continue to hunt three armed robbers after a school principal was kidnapped. 

This comes after the recovery of the principal’s abandoned bakkie in Welkom, Free State.  

Aim24 News reported on Sunday, December 17, that three unknown armed suspects disguised themselves as parents on the last day of school and kidnapped the principal of Phahamisanang Primary School in Meloding from the school grounds on Tuesday, December 12. 

Police spokesman Captain Stephen Thakeng said: “The staff at the school became victims as well because they were dragged into the kidnapping and pushed into the office, where they were robbed of their cellphones and tied with cable ties. The three suspects left the pricipal’s bakkie at an unknown place in Welkom.” 

Thakeng said the suspects requested that the school funds be transferred but when they were unsuccessful, they fled, leaving the principal stranded in Welkom.  

“After the abduction was reported to the police, an investigation into kidnapping, business robbery, and carjacking was launched. The bakkie was discovered abandoned and recovered on Wednesday, December 13 at about 11am near the Bedelia Shopping Centre in Welkom, following an intensive search by the investigating team.”  

“We are calling on the public to assist the police in apprehending the culprits,” Thakeng said.  

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrests of the armed robbers should contact Detective Lieutenant-Colonel James Mahlatsi of provincial organised crime on 073 453 8990 or call CrimeStop at 08600 10111.