NATIONAL NEWS - The family of six-year-old Amy-Leigh de Jager who was snatched from her mother in front of the Kollegepark Primary School by four men, have confirmed no ransom money was paid for her release.
Shedding more light on the girl’s mysterious disappearance and return, a family member said Amy-Leigh was dropped off in Shakespeare Street, about two kilometres from the police station, in Vanderbijlpark on Tuesday morning.
Amy-Leigh was snatched away from her mother by four men in a white Toyota Fortuner on Monday morning.
Her mother had to be treated for a shoulder and hip injury suffered during a scuffle with the kidnappers.
“The four men, three black and one white, dropped her off at 02:30, giving her some money to buy water,” the family member said.
“This was because she refused to eat or drink anything they gave her.”
A couple staying nearby heard De Jager crying and, after identifying her, were able to take her to the police station.
“Her father Wynand was outside the station when he saw them approaching,” the family member said.
After being reunited with her parents Amy-Leigh was hungry and asked only for a burger and chips and to see her brother.
The family member said when Amy-Leigh saw her brother sleeping in his bed, she crawled in next to him and they held each other tightly.
The family also confirmed a ransom demand of R2-million for Amy-Leigh’s safe return was not paid.
Meanwhile, police have urged the community to allow the investigation to take its course.
“The investigation into her disappearance and sudden reappearance is still on-going,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo.
