Three suspects, arrested on April 14 by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, are scheduled to appear in Lady Grey and Engcobo Magistrate’s Courts on April 16.
The arrests followed the kidnapping of a foreign national from a Lady Grey liquor store on April 12.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, on April 12 at approximately 19:30, the victim, a foreign national, was approached by five armed suspects posing as customers at a liquor outlet in Lady Grey.
“The perpetrators allegedly pointed firearms at the victim, demanding cash, and forcibly bundled him into a white Volkswagen Polo Vivo to an unknown place,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that during the incident, an undisclosed amount of money was reportedly taken from the shop.
According to Mhlakuvana, a ransom was allegedly demanded later that day, and the victim was subsequently released unharmed one day after the abduction.
He said that law enforcement agencies which comprised the Komani Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Aliwal North K9, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Komani Crime Intelligence (CI) and Aliwal North Hostage Negotiators were swiftly informed.
The team led an intelligence-driven operation, where the first suspect was arrested in the Komani Central Business District (CBD).
“The suspect was in possession of an undisclosed amount of cash and the aforesaid vehicle that was ostensibly involved in the said kidnapping,” said Mhlakuvana.
He further said that the joint team proceeded to a specific homestead in Engcobo.
“Upon arrival, the police found two suspects, in possession of two 9mm pistols with defaced serial numbers as well as ammunition,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that the suspects, aged between 26 and 35, are scheduled to appear before the Lady Grey Magistrate’s Court and Engcobo Magistrate’s Court on April 16 respectively.
Mhlakuvana said that they face charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) applauded the collaborative efforts of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of the suspects.
