China's Consulate General in Johannesburg said on Sunday that a Chinese minor kidnapped in Soweto in early March has been safely rescued, with local police arresting four suspects and pursuing additional suspects.
On the evening of May 1, the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police informed the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg that, through coordinated efforts by multiple parties, a Chinese minor who had been kidnapped in the area had been successfully rescued.
Following the incident, the embassy and the consulate promptly activated an emergency response mechanism, coordinated with the police, and worked together with local Chinese community members to handle the situation on site, according to the statement by the Consulate General.
Over the past two months, they have maintained close communication with all relevant parties, during which police carried out multiple operations. On the night of the rescue, consular officials, together with police and community representatives, visited the rescued minor and discussed follow-up arrangements, per the statement.
The embassy and the consulate expressed appreciation for the effective work of Gauteng police and the selfless assistance of the local Chinese community. They also reminded Chinese citizens in South Africa to closely monitor the local security situation, follow safety advisories issued by the embassy and consulates, enhance their safety awareness, strengthen safety precautions, and ensure their own and their families' safety.
Global Times