CRIME SCENE: Bronville, Free State: The South African Police Service (SAPS) have rescued two young kidnap victims in a state of shock and arrested their four alleged kidnappers.

Police say the victims, a 10-year-old boy and an 18-year-old girl, were allegedly kidnapped by armed intruders from their home in Bronville on Tuesday, 10 November 2026. They were rescued from a dilapidated building in Virginia. 

Bronville detectives received reliable information on 10 November about the whereabouts of the suspects linked to the Bronville housebreaking and kidnapping investigation. 

“Information was immediately operationalised and led them to a dilapidated filling station in X5, Virginia. When the suspects spotted the police they fled the scene on foot. A chase ensued and the suspects opened fire on the police. Members returned fire, while pursuing the suspects on foot.

“Two of the suspects, aged 22 and 26-years, were subsequently apprehended. Police then went back to the filling station where they found the victims in a state of shock, half-naked and covered with a blanket. Trauma counseling will be arranged for the victims.

“Upon further investigation police discovered one revolver, an airgun with a serial number filed off and a Norinco pistol,” said SAPS.

The Virginia police then received more information from a member of the public about another suspect who was alleged to be in possession of a firearm and possibly linked to the arrested suspects. 

“The information led members to an address in Saaiplaas, Virginia. Through the assistance of community members two suspects, a male and female, aged 29 and 31-years respectively, were arrested after they were found to be in unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. No injuries or fatalities were reported during the incident.”