Seven men linked to the kidnapping of eight-year-old Abirah Dekhta made a brief appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The men, were charged with kidnapping and extortion after they were arrested on Monday following a police tip off.
Abirah was kidnapped in Rylands, Athlone two weeks ago on her way to school.
Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said the State alleges that the victim was in a learner transport waiting to pick up another learner.
“Two vehicles stopped around the learner transport and five men alighted the vehicles. They snatched the girl and drove off with her.
“Police received a tip off that she was kept in a house in Town Two, Khayelitsha.
“Police observed three men who were patrolling outside the house.
“There were four other men inside the house when police made the arrest.”
Ntabazalila said there were also two women arrested but they were not brought to court as they cannot be linked to the case.
Little Abirah’s father Aslam told media, that he did not believe the family was targeted and explained that his daughter was well looked after by the kidnappers.
It was also reported that Abirah was given KFC and McDonalds to eat.
Dekhta, who owns a cellphone store said his daughter however recalls living in very bad conditions for the two weeks se was held captive.
In August, Weekend Argus also reported on the return of kidnapped 5-year-old Shanawaaz Asghar.
Asghar was also snatched while on his way to school in Kensington.
His father, Muhammad Asghar detailed a frantic 48-hours negotiating with the kidnappers who let him listen to Shanawaaz playing in the background.
Asghar who is also a businessman, said his son’s kidnappers also looked well after the boy, buying him KFC and allowing him to play.
There were no arrests made in this case.
Abirah’s kidnappers are set to return to court on 7 December, where they will apply for bail. The State will oppose the application