According to reports, the boys were released in the early hours of Thursday morning, November 11.
Parents are overwhelmed with relief
The boys’ parents, Naazim and Shakira Moti took to Facebook to share the news that Zia (15), Alaan (13), Zayyad (13) and Zidan (7) were released and safe after being kidnapped three weeks ago.
In the statement that was published on Naazim Moti’s business page, the parents express their gratitude.
“We thank Almighty Allah for accepting our prayers and the prayers of so many in South Africa.
“We wish to express our sincere gratitude to South African Police Services, our political parties, the media, all the social media influencers and everyone who prayed for the safety of our children,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the family asks for privacy as they deal with the events that occurred over the past three weeks.
“We are looking forward to healing as a family and will appreciate some privacy for a while. We will talk to the media within a few days,” the statement said.
Police confirms Moti brothers’ return
Brigadier Vish Naidoo, the national police spokesperson, confirmed that the Moti brothers have been found and reunited with their family. According to Naidoo, Vuwani police received a call from a local resident when the four children arrived at their house. They were reportedly dropped off on a road near the house.
Naidoo also said that the children seemed to be in good health.
“Police arranged a doctor who confirmed that the children are in good health before they were handed over to their parents. The children also appeared to be in high spirits during the reunion with their parents.
“The children have not yet been interviewed but today investigators will arrange for the SAPS psychologists to assist with that,” Naidoo indicated.
And even though there is a happy ending, the kidnapping investigation is far from over. It is still not known whether any ransom has been demanded. And the SAPS are still appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the kidnappers.