Besule Mayila (34) briefly appeared before the Centane Magistrate’s Court for charges of kidnapping, armed robbery, hijacking and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The matter was remanded to October 28, 2022, for bail application and legal representation.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela it is alleged that on September 21, 2022, four men were driving toward Butterworth when they were accosted by a group of men driving a silver VW Polo.
“They are said to have been hijacked and kidnapped. The suspects allegedly robbed them of their Volvo XC 90 vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the Tsomo area. It is further alleged that on September 22, 2022, the suspects contacted the families of the victims and requested a ransom of R2 million,” said Mgolodela.
On October 19, 2022, five suspects were arrested when they allegedly attempted to hijack a truck in the Butterworth area. One of the suspects was positively identified as being responsible for the hijacking and kidnapping that took place on September 21, 2022, added Mgolodela.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are imminent.
