Three men accused of attempting to kidnap two boys in the DRC informal settlement on the outskirts of Swakopmund appeared before the Swakopmund Magistrates' Court today.

The accused are 21-year-old Leomaro Ramothibe, 23-year-old Leamaro Moller, and 27-year-old Lee Moller.

Each accused was granted bail of N$10,000, while the case was postponed to 14 December for further investigations.

According to an Erongo police investigation report, the alleged incident occurred on 3 October at about 09:00, when the suspects allegedly attempted to force two boys, aged 12 and 13, into a vehicle without their consent.

The mother of one of the boys says her 12-year-old son and his 13-year-old cousin were on their way to buy fish when a vehicle stopped in front of them.

She says several men wearing black masks allegedly got out of the vehicle.

The 13-year-old managed to run away, while his younger cousin also tried to flee.

The men allegedly chased the 12-year-old boy in the vehicle.

The boy eventually climbed over a wall and shouted for help. One of the suspects allegedly took his cellphone, but the boy reportedly bit him and managed to retrieve the phone before escaping.

Police investigations into the matter are continuing.