The Hawks have arrested a third suspect, while co-accused police officer, who escaped from lawful custody, is still on the run in the kidnapping and theft case at a loan shark’s home that took place in July in Cala.
The 38-year-old Vuyani Topo was arrested by the Hawks’ EC Kidnapping Task Team on August 12 through public assistance.
Hawks provincial spokesperson, captain Yolisa Mgolodela, said Topo appeared before the Cala Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 15 and will appear again on August 22 for a formal bail application.
Mgolodela said constable Mfundo Ntshiba, attached to the Cala Community Service Centre, was arrested soon after the alleged robbery, along with local traditional healer and taxi owner Xolile Makhosini (37) on July 5.
This after the trio allegedly barged into Nosiphiwo Konzeka’s home dressed in police uniform and allegedly took cash amounting to R22 000, 98 bank cards and a vehicle.
Mgolodela said the suspects also allegedly kidnapped Konzeka’s three brothers who were later found unharmed.
ICYMI | Suspects in police uniform arrested after breaking into house of alleged loan shark
She said the 35-year-old Ntshiba was identified by Konzeka, leading to his arrest.
“Ntshiba was denied bail on the basis of being a law enforcement agent. Ntshiba later escaped (from) lawful custody on July 25 during his third bail appearance (and is still at large),” Mgolodela said.
Topo will go before court for his formal bail application on August 22, while Makhosini was granted a R2 000 bail and will appear before court on August 30.
