Cops insist they will be involved despite warning from Bitcoin thugs

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An appeal has been made to the public to help the family find their child.


The police in eMalahleni say there is no way they cannot be involved in the matter of 13-year-old Kathlego Marite.

Spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said they will be involved definately.

Kathlego, a Grade 7 pupil at the Duvha Park Primary School, was kidnapped on Sunday afternoon by three unknown men while playing with other kids near his home in Tasbet Park’s Extension 1, eMalahleni.

A car stopped next to the kids in Frangipani street and one of the three men got out and snatched Kathlego.

WATCH: Mom appeals to public to help them find kidnapped son Kathlego Marite

In an apparent ransom letter, the men are demanding 15 Bitcoins – not in Rands – and to “not involve the police! We are monitoring all your communications and movements,” it said.

15 Bitcoins is an amount of around R1.5 million.

“There is no way police cannot be involved,” Hlathi said this week Tuesday.

“Where a crime is committed the police will definately be involved,” he said.

“You can’t say we should not be involved. We understand the concern for the victim’s safety but not being involved is also a problem,” said Hlathi.

He appealed to the communities to help with any information that can help recover the boy.

“If the community sees them they must not approach them. They must alert us,” Hlathi said.

Anyone with information should call the cops on 071 352 6007 or 08600 10111.

(edited by MLM)

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