Three foreign nationals accused of kidnapping nine-year-old Emaan Fatima in East London have been remanded in custody following their appearance at the East London Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 67, are facing
kidnapping charges and will return to court on March 4-5, 2025, for a bail application hearing.
The case has gripped the nation since Fatima was abducted near her school, Dreamland Primary, in Buffalo Flats earlier this month.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the suspects were arrested during a multi-disciplinary intelligence operation involving the Hawks kidnapping task team, East London public order police, and hostage negotiators.
“Their matter was remanded to 4-5 March 2025 for an interpreter. All three suspects are remanded in custody,” Mhlakuvana said. “The state will be opposing their bail application.”
According to TheCitizen, the abduction occurred when a silver-grey Toyota Corolla with no number plates approached Fatima near her school. “Two unknown men allegedly grabbed her, forcibly taking her away while leaving her brother behind and in full view of other schoolchildren,” said Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba.
The safe rescue of Fatima brought relief to her family, school, and the broader community. Acting school principal Nobathandwa Dingaan expressed her joy, stating, “We are so happy. If you had been here the previous days, the energy would have been different. The learners were crying every day for Emaan, asking us when Emaan was coming back, and we didn’t have answers for them.”
Psychological counselling provided to school pupils
Following the traumatic incident, the Eastern Cape Education Department provided psychosocial counselling to the school’s pupils. Major General Obed Ngwenya, the provincial head of the Hawks, praised the joint team for their swift action in rescuing Fatima and apprehending the suspects.
The case has highlighted the growing concern over kidnapping incidents in South Africa, particularly those targeting children. Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help combat such crimes.
