Suspected kidnappers caught while trying to withdraw ransom

Eight-year-old Amahle Mthimkhulu went missing on Wednesday, after being taken by a woman outside Dawnview Primary School.

The Grade 3 pupil was found at a shopping centre in Umhlanga on Friday.

READ: Kidnapped Amahle Mthimkhulu found, two suspects arrested

A man and a woman were arrested in connection for the kidnapping.

KZN police spokesperson Thembeka Mbele says one of the suspects was found in one of the shops in the mall. 

"She was arrested in one of the shopping malls trying to withdraw the money. When she was arrested, she led police to the car, where the child was found with a male, who was also arrested," she said.

The duo is expected to appear in court soon. 

READ: KwaDukuza pupil Amahle Mthimkhulu snatched outside school

Meanwhile, Zamanguni Mzimela, the child's aunt, says they are relieved Amahle was found unharmed. 

"We are very happy we found her in one piece and still alive."

"You know when a newborn baby is being born and is it home? That's how happy we are, it's like there's a new baby coming, and we were so relieved that she is fine."

Mzimela says they were in contact with the kidnappers during their ordeal. 

“The kidnappers were allowing us to talk to her, we knew that she is fine but we weren't one hundred percent sure. When we saw that she is really fine, we were satisfied and happy."

 "She was so happy to see us, but we couldn’t see her immediately because the police had to take her in to some room and ask her some questions. After that, we went in and it was very emotional. Everybody was crying tears of joy."

Mzimela says the family does not know the two suspects.

"We don't know them; it was our first time seeing them. We have never seen them before. But people at the police station said they know him because he is a local guy. Apparently his from Melville. The police didn't allow us to see the other [suspect]". 

Various police units were involved in the search and investigation.