South Africans were overjoyed by the news that the four Moti brothers were reunited with their parents, but the silence after the boys’ return has fuelled speculation by the public.
Family spokesperson Nazir Osman previously said that “This ordeal has been extremely traumatic for the boys and the entire Moti family. We humbly request that the public respect and uphold their privacy as they rest and recuperate.”
And while majority of South Africans were grateful for their safe return, others raised their eyebrows by saying “Everyone [is] so cool, calm and collected,” while another Facebook user said “what an odd case.”
Hundreds of comments trailed behind as some were hoping to hear the “truth”.
“Wonderful news, but sorry to say something’s just not right with this whole story,” is what another person expressed.
Since then, News24 has reported that the Moti family allegedly paid a R50 million ransom for the safe return of the four brothers.
According to the report, News24 received this information from “three impeccable sources,” of which two are “in law enforcement with intimate knowledge of the investigation.”
It is alleged that “a culmination of fraught negotiations between family representatives and the kidnappers led up to the ransom payment.”
According to IOL, the “dead drop” payment was made after the family received proof of life. The publication says that this proof was shown one week after the kidnapping.
The controversy stirring public outrage:
Keshia Patchiappen, spokesperson for the family, allegedly denied that ransom was paid, saying:
“There has been a lot of speculation and false information spread about the circumstances around the kidnapping. The Moti family would like to clarify that no ransom was paid. The SAPS was integral to the safe return of our boys, and we are very grateful for their dedication in this regard. Unfortunately, we cannot provide further comment on this as these are sensitive details that pertain to the ongoing investigation.”
The Moti boys were released on Thursday, November 11, after they endured a three-week kidnapping and hostage ordeal.
According to the police, they received a call from a local resident in Vuwani, Limpopo, who alerted officers to the brothers’ arrival at their house, saying they were dropped off in a nearby road.
A statement released by Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said: “Police received a call from a local resident, saying that the children arrived at their house, saying they were dropped off on a nearby road. Police arranged a doctor, who confirmed that the children were 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.”
Also read:
Moti Brothers: Kidnappers release the boys after three weeks
Picture: Supplied