POLICE are eyeing more arrests in connection with the kidnapping of Emaan Fatima following the court appearance of three men in East London on Wednesday.
The nine-year-old was released Wednesday morning, almost a week after she was kidnapped outside a school in Buffalo Flats in East London on February 4, 2025.
Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba said the suspects aged between 20 and 67 are charged with kidnapping.
Fumba said according to investigations, the victim was returning home from school when she was accosted by two unidentified suspects.
She was taken in a silver-grey Toyota Corolla to an unknown place.
"A meticulous investigation led to the arrests of the suspects."
The investigation team consisted of members from the Kidnapping Task Team of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, East London Public Order Police, East London Flying Squad and Provincial Hostage Negotiators.
Fumba said the victim was found near a police station, unharmed.
The suspects appeared in the East London Magistrate's Court yesterday where the matter was adjourned to February 19 for a formal bail application.
Fumba said there were more arrests imminent as the investigation unfolds.
There has been a spate of kidnapping incidents in the Eastern Cape in recent weeks.
Earlier another kidnapping victim was released 24 hours after he was kidnapped.
Ebrahim Moosa, 74, was snatched outside his workplace in Cuyler Street, Kruisrivier at around 10 am on Tuesday.
He was found in Kwazakele.
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said the 74-year-old is currently receiving medical attention.
"No further information will be shared as this is an ongoing investigation."
Cape Times