A foreign national (30) will appear in the Ngqamakhwe Magistrate’s Court today on allegations of kidnapping and armed
robbery.
He will be joining his co-accused, Ephrem Gezew (30) who was
arrested on January 27 and previously appeared in court for kidnapping and armed robbery. Gezew has been remanded
in custody since his first appearance.
Hawks Spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said
an Ethiopian national was driving on his way to his business when a white Polo blocked his way and suspects allegedly kidnapped
him.
“The alleged kidnappers are
said to have driven towards Engcobo where they are said to have demanded
a ransom of R1 million to get the victim released. The victim is reported to
have been released on January 23 when a ransom of R250 000 was
paid,” said Mgolodela.
She said on January 27 at about 18:00 a report was received from Msobomvu Police Station that Ethiopians brought in a kidnapping suspect (Gezew), who was then arrested and appeared in court on January 31 on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery.
Mgolodela confirmed that the
second suspect was allegedly spotted at the Butterworth Magistrate’s
Court where he was then arrested.
Both suspects will appear in court today for a formal bail application.
